William "Bill" Leslie Hilton was taken home to his Savior on September 14, 2025. Bill was born on June 19, 1948 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He graduated from Broken Bow High School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. After graduation, Bill joined the United States Navy on October 11, 1965. While in the Navy, Bill served three tours in Vietnam. His last tour there was with Seawolf HAL-3. He had numerous other duty stations during his 20 year career. His last assignments were as a Naval Aircrewman on P-3 and S-3 aircraft. After retiring from the Navy as an E7 Chief Petty Officer in 1985, Bill joined the Orlando Police Department in 1986. He served for 21 years retiring as a Police Officer First Class. After retiring from the police department he moved to Lake City, FL.

Bill was proud of his Chickasaw heritage. He was a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society and a Chickasaw Elder. He remained connected to the tribe by attending annual festivals and cultural events.

Bill enjoyed boating, taking cruises and golfing. He especially enjoyed camping with his family and long-time friends. One of his greatest pleasures was cooking for his family and friends at the campsite and sitting around the campfire. Bill also enjoyed traveling around the United States.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nita Hilton, Lake City; his daughter Brandy Hilton, Milwaukee, WI, son Morgan Hilton and his wife Kyle Dignam, Deltona, FL; brother, Sherrill "Woody" Wood and his wife Barbara, Phoenix, AZ; nephew Lesley Williamson and his wife Aimee Golden, Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Ashley Couey and her husband Kyle, Christopher Miller Hilton, and Angelica Hilton.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Lesley "Cutter" Hilton, mother Billie Joyce Wood; brother Morgan Lee Hilton, sister Janene Williamson and nephew Brent Williamson.

The viewing is at 9 AM with the funeral service to follow at 10 AM on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Gateway Baptist Church, 3252 SW State Rd. 247, Lake City, FL. Burial is at 2 PM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Haven Hospice Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Chickasaw Warrior Society.