Billie Ellis Hilton, age 68 passed away Thursday, August 10, 2006, after suffering a stroke. He was born June 8, 1938 in Zinc, AR from the union of William J. and Selma (Norvell) Hilton and had twelve siblings.

Bill served two terms in the U.S. Army, a Vietnam War Veteran. Servere combat injuries caused his medical retirement from the military but not from life. Bill married Levern Friend Thomas, and had one son, Steven Joel and three step-sons, Chris, Mark, and Eric Thomas. Levern F. Hilton preceded him in death in 1979. After her death, he never remarried, but instead raised all four of his boys by himself. He continued to live with, and for, his boys until his death.

He leaves behind his boys; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; three sisters, Elise Greable and Bonnie Hilton of Washington and Martha Poe of Harrison; three brothers, John and Everett of Washington and Felix of Missouri.

Bill was a cherished father, grandfather, brother and friend and leaves behind many who cared about him. He knew no strangers and the man could talk! Bill could always be found around his family and friends, when he wasn't fishing, hunting, and with his horses.

Service was Monday, August 14 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Visitation was before services began. Burial was be in York Cemetery at Bergman. Full military honors were provided by the United States Army Honor Guardsmen, who also served as pallbearers.