Ray Hilton

E. Ray Hilton, Jr., 80, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2011. Mr. Hilton was born in Catawba County and was a Korean War veteran. He retired in 1992 as Postmaster in Asheville and he was an active participant in the Mission Hospital Heart Path Cardiac Rehab Program. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Rebecca Hilton, two brothers, Charles (Mary Lou) Hilton and Rev. Dale (Margie) Hilton, and a granddaughter, Teresa Hilton. A celebration of life service will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Hickory, where he was a member. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:45 pm Tuesday at the church, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 1911 Zion Church Road, Hickory, NC 28602. On-line condolences may be made at www.bass-smith funeralhome.com.