Ernie P. Hilton

Ernie P. Hilton, 70 of Leesburg, died Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Pruitt Health Palmyra.
His funeral service will be Monday 11 AM at Mathews Funeral Home with interment at 2 PM in Andersonville National Cemetery with Military Honors. Rev. Bruce Smith and Rev. Melvin Slappy will officiate.
A native of Ocilla, Mr. Hilton had lived in Leesburg for the last 10 years. He had worked with KMC in Tifton, Macgregor Golf in Albany and Cooper Lighting and Magnolia Manor in Americus.
He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving in Vietnam and could not turn a stray animal away. His impressive skill as an artist with extensive mechanical knowledge included designing everything from farm equipment and golf clubs to lighting fixtures. His greatest achievement was earning a patent for his design work.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Gibbs Hilton, Leesburg; daughters, Cheryl Warren (Ryan), Leesburg, Jennifer Hilton-Slenker (Robert), Americus; sister, LeNell Hinkle, Nashville, GA; brother, Hal Hilton, Ocilla; grandchildren, Blake and Chloe Warren, Jack and Samantha Slenker.
The family will receive friends Sunday 4 to 6 PM at Mathews Funeral Home.
Those desiring please make memorials to Pruitt Health Hospice, 708 16th Ave East, Cordele, GA 31015.