John "Bob" Hilton, Sr., of Screven, Ga. 92, died peacefully at this home on Friday, January 2, 2026. The Wayne County native was a proud member of Northside Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Kearsarge during the Korean Conflict during which time he met and married Irene, his wife of 61 ½ years. He was a very skilled carpenter, working with Local Carpenters Union 865 for many years, and also did woodworking at home and from his and Irene's building many small projects for family and friends originated. Most of all, he loved his family. Even in illness, he would see his children, grandchildren, and friends and manage a smile and say "I love you". He was old school and would address people as "Sirs" and "Baby Doll" and "Darlin"—always with love and respect. He enjoyed reading, especially westerns. He was quiet man but very mathematically smart and precise in his measurements when building and performing handyman's duties. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley and Beatrice Hilton, 6 sisters, his wife, Irene Hilton and a son, John "Robert" Hilton, Jr.

He is survived by daughters, Kathy (Ricky) Minix of Jekyll Island, Ga. and Karen (Rig) Harper of Screven, Ga.; sons, Harold (Sharon) Hilton of Jesup, Russell (Charla) Hilton of Odum; sister, Sidney Walker of Blackshear; brother Leroy (Carol) "Putt" Hilton of Huntsville, Tx; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Hatten officiating. Interment will follow in Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be J.D. Hilton, Nathan Hilton, Gavin and Garrett Hilton, Michael Walker, Jasper Beaver, Gary Wilson, and Doug Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. R.A. Pumpelly and staff,   Hospice of South Georgia, Staff of Community Home Health, and the members of Northside Baptist Church.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.