John Hilton

John H. “Chief Wise Bull” Hilton, 66, of Chappells, SC, passed away October 17, 2008 at Hospice of the Piedmont in Greenwood SC after a short illness. He was born February 3, 1942 to the late Thelma Carter Hilton Hartsfield and Jesse M. Hilton, Sr. in Folkston, GA. John grew up and worked several jobs in Charlton Co. including logging, State Highway Dept., Humphries Mining Co., private construction on the railroad and worked with Charlton Memorial Hospital as one of the first EMTs. In 1969 he was employed with the railroad serving SCL, Family Line RR and Csx until retirement in 2000. John spent the last 26 years living in South Carolina where he served as a volunteer in many capacities with FEMA,and leading Boy Scout Troops. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, the US SC Trappers Association, and Sons of the Confederacy. In 1996 he was elected spiritual leader of the PAIA Cherokee Indian Tribe in Laurens County, South Carolina. John's passionate hobby was searching his ancestry which was traced back to the Cherokee. Four years ago, he was elected Chief of the Cherokee Bear Clan of SC where he served faithfully until his death. He was a member of Sand Hill Baptist Church
Survivors include: Wife: Mary Harbin Hilton of Chappells, South Carolina; Three Sons: Mitchell B. Hilton(Joye) and John D. Hilton of Folkston, Georgia; Josh C. Hilton of Homerville, Georgia Rickey J. Williams(Cindy) of Aynor, S.C ; and one Daughter: Sharon H. Rewis of Folkston, Georgia.; Grandchildren: Kerastin J. Hilton, Mitchell Ezekiel Hilton, Rebecca Grace Burch, all of Folkston; Adam L. Davis of Douglas; Ciara Sloane Hilton of Folkston; Maura Savannah Hilton of Hilliard; John Cody Rewis, III of Folkston, Summer Williams, and Michaela Ramsey of Charlotte, N.C.; Rickey(Bubba) Williams, Jr. of Aynor, S.C.; a great granddaughter: Kaylee Ramsey; Brothers: Jessie M. Hilton, Jr.(Jenell) of Williamsburg, Va.; Rayford K. Hilton(Ineva) of Folkston, Georgia: Sisters: Frances Mishoe of Hortense, Ga.; Ester Spilger(George) of Hartford, Jr.; Juanita Hurst(Edward) of Waycross, Ga.; Helen Hilton of Folkston, Ga.; Alice Murray(Lawrence) of Folkston, Ga, several Nieces, Nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by Grandson: Dillan Zane Hilton and a Great-grandson: William Thomas O'Neil and Brother: M.J. Hilton.
The family will receive friends Monday October 20 at Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 21 at 11:00 AM at Sand Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ed Hurst and Chief Jerry Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Racepond Cemetery at Sand Hill Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Reavis Drury, Richard Drury, Don Todd, J.E. Carter, Buddy O'Quinn, and Williard “W.T.” Turner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rickey “Bubba” Willams, Jr, John Cody Rewis, III, and Mitchell Ezekiel Hilton.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.