Allison Van Hildreth

Allison Van “Al” Hildreth, age 96 of Montgomery, AL, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Mr. Hildreth was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen North Hildreth; father, Judge Emmett F. Hildreth; mother, Allison Van Nette Hildreth; brother, Emmett F. Hildreth, Jr.; and step mother, Emory Peoples Hildreth. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Hildreth Christian (Thomas); grandchildren, Dr. Stephen Richard (Maddelle) Christian, Allison Christian (Derek) Frost, Brian Thomas (Lynn) Christian; great grandchildren, John Alan Frost, Anna Elizabeth Frost, Christian Michael Frost, Bryce Marcella Christian, Caulder Damon Christian, Andrew Thomas Christian, Jackson Brady Christian; and numerous other family members and friends.

Al was born in Mobile, AL. While in high school, he joined the US Navy Reserve then attended the University of Alabama in the Navy’s V-12 program to help generate the number of commissioned officers for the demands of WWII. Al retired as a Commander with over 23 years of service to the nation. He finished his degree at Alabama after the Korean War and became a purchasing agent for Brice, Partlow, and Searcy Hospitals. In 1967, he became the first purchasing agent for the new State Department of Mental Health in Montgomery. Al retired in 1973 and spent the remainder of his life devoted to volunteer missions and efforts. In fact, Al served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer for over 30 years, which he did with his late wife, Helen, until her passing. Al continued his dedicated service to Meals on Wheels and delivered in excess of 10,000 meals to the River Region’s senior citizens. He was a founding volunteer at the First United Methodist Church’s (FUMC) Respite Care Ministry providing relief to those who cared for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Al volunteered for the FUMC Stephen Ministry showing love and care to individuals experiencing difficult times. He also volunteered for FUMC’s Joseph Ministry to help care for bereaved families. In 2018, Al was honored with the Seniors of Achievement award for his significant lifetime contributions to the community. He was a member of the Montgomery Bridge Club, and Al was a well-rounded man who loved his daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and pet cat, Middy.

The funeral service for Mr. Hildreth will be Thursday, February 4, 2021, 11:00AM at the outdoor chapel of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, AL, with Jay D. Cooper and Ben M. McDavid officiating. The burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Alan Derek Frost officiating. Leak Memory Chapel is directing.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Stephen Richard Christian, Brian Thomas Christian, Andrew Thomas Christian, Caulder Damon Christian, John Alan Frost, Christian Michael Frost, William S. Ellis, and Larry G. Carter. Honorary pallbearers include the Tower Class of FUMC, Jackson Brady Christian, Anna Elizabeth Frost, and Bryce Marcella Christian.

The family would like to give special thanks to the loving caregivers Tinetria Mock, Learean Huffman-Wright, Shatera Garrett, Tia Jackson, and all the caregivers from Kindred Hospice and Answer Prayer Home Care.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Montgomery with specific considerations for FUMC’s Respite Ministry. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.leak-mc.com.