Hilton was born on January 4, 1954 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He attend EC Glass high school where he met his wife of 50 years, Jo Ruth, then joined the US Marine Corp. During his time in the Marines, he served as a Sargent working as an aircraft and engine mechanic. BWXT was then his home away from home for 38 years working as a machinist and cracking jokes with his buddies who knew him as “green hat”.
In his free time he loved hunting on the mountain with his guys or fishing for monster catfish. Hilton also loved traveling to Apache campground in Myrtle Beach to enjoy his Old Milwaukee under the pier. Hilton also spent a lot of time spoiling his grandchildren and cheering them on at sporting events.
Hilton is survived by his wife, Jo Ruth Vassar; his sisters; Sandra Vassar and Helen Gravely ;his daughter, Dawn Marie Witham (Rob Witham) and their children; Skye Witham, Mark Witham, and Sheyann Witham; his granddaughter Winter Alexandria (James Brent Hilliard) and their children; Saylor Kate Hilliard and Hagen James Hilliard.
Hilton was preceded in death by his father Hilton Presley Vassar, Sr. and his mother Minnie O’Dell Daniel Vassar; his brothers James Edward Vassar and Phillip George Vassar.
Hilton’s family is now at peace knowing his is pain free and will forever be in our hearts
A visitation memorial for Hilton will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Whitten Monelison Chapel.
