James (Buddy) Wallace Hilton

James “ Buddy” Wallace Hilton, of Florence, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on May 7, 2016. Buddy was born April 12, 1930 in Tarrant County, Texas, to Irene and Louis Hilton. At a young age, he moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he called home, until enlisting in the United States Navy.

Buddy served in the Korean War and upon completion of his tour, made his home back in Tarrant County, where he met his beautiful bride, Gloria Shephard. Married on Thanksgiving Day in 1960, after a small stay near the valley, Buddy and Gloria, made their home in Austin, Texas, after Buddy was offered a position Building the new Federal Office and Post Office. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Shane and Shannon, and began creating a multitude of lasting relationships.

IN 1964, Buddy went to work for The Porter Company. He made many life long friends through Local 286, and believed an honest day’s work was what you owed the company, and it really never hurt anyone. He was instrumental in the construction of 19 areas at Fort Hood, St. David’s Hospital, LBJ Library, Seton Medical Center, Dell, and numerous other projects in and around central Texas. After retiring in 1995, Buddy and Gloria, hit the road and joined the Red River Rovers. Together with friends, they traveled the United States exploring the greatness and beauty of this country.

Buddy was a company man, family man, teacher, and friend. He never said the words “I can’t” or “it can’t be done”. He had a smile and warmth to his heart that illuminated and made those around him, want to be better. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a friend to many. His wife and family, were the center of his universe, and he made everyone around him want to be better.

Proceeding him in death were his parents, Louis and Irene, and sister Colleen Looney.

He is survived by his sister, Joan Butler; son, Shane Hilton and wife Nicole; daughter, Shannon Hilton Fail and husband Lewis; grandchildren, Shane Thom, Kailee, Macey and Danni Hilton, as well as Krista, Wesley, and Dillon Fail; along with honorary family, David and Monica Vasquez and kids, and Khristi Polk and family.

The family will receive guests for a time of visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 in the chapel of Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.