Ronald Eugene Hilton

Ronald E. Hilton, age 83, passed away on August 16, 2023. He was born in Covington, Virginia to Julian and Arlene Hilton. He grew up in St. Albans, WV. He enrolled in civil engineering his freshman year at Virginia Tech and worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers. He also played for the freshman basketball team. After his freshman year, he transferred to Marshall University in Huntington, WV, where he continued to work for the US Army Corps of Engineers and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Science. He became a Registered Professional Engineer in 1970. He was honored as Engineer of the Year in 1977 by the Northeast Florida Engineering Societies. He always gave outstanding support to the Society of American Military Engineers. He helped establish an Endowment Fund to ensure that the Jacksonville Post could provide scholarships to students. Over time he provided leadership by being Chairperson of many conferences. He also served through the years as Post President, Post VP, Post Secretary, Post Board of Directors and as National Director. In 2014 he won the very prestigious Walter Bachus Gold Medal, a lifetime achievement award. He was proud of that and of his work on hurricane evacuation for the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Ron was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife Joyce were blessed with 54 years of marriage. He always supported his children’s and grandchildren’s interest. Ron was always very proud of them. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball and football. He did Stats for JU Basketball Team and later ran the score clock. He also did Stats for the Jacksonville Jaguars until his eyesight became a problem.

He was a faithful member of Mandarin United Methodist Church where he served on committees and served as an usher. Ron believed strongly in prayer. We want to thank all who prayed for him. Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce, a son, Michael, a daughter Barbara York (Ed), his brothers Jimmy (Jennie), and Johnny (Jodie), a sister Sue McCormick (Max), and grandchildren Ben York, Emma York, and Adam Grason (Christina), and two great grandchildren, Harper and Finn Grason. He is predeceased by his parents Julian and Arlene Hilton, a son Ronnie, and a daughter, Jan Frank, and a sister Betty Miller.

Service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2PM at Mandarin United Methodist Church at 11270 San Jose Blvd. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mandarin United Methodist Church or to the Society of American Military Engineers, Jacksonville Post.

SAME Jacksonville Post (Society of American Military Engineers)

4259 Oristano Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32244, or visit www.samejax.org for more information.

Please email Elizabeth with any questions at [email protected]

Please add Mr. Ron Hilton to the “for” line at the bottom of the check

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Hilton family.