Dr. Ray Daniel Hilton, Jr., 82, of Charleston, South Carolina, beloved husband of the late Sarah Shuler Hilton, went home to be with Our Lord Jesus on Friday, June 26, 2026. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends for a visitation an hour before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Ray was born on July 10, 1943, in Saint George, South Carolina, son of the late Ray Daniel Hilton, Sr. and the late Zadie Lee Wimberly Hilton. He grew up on James Island and went to James Island Baptist Church. Ray met the love of his life, Sarah, and they were married for 63 years. Ray and Sarah’s unwavering faith, devotion, laughter, and unconditional love inspires their children and grandchildren. Ray served in the United States Coast Guard, where he exemplified leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving his country. Following his military career, he fulfilled another lifelong calling by becoming a dentist. He practiced for 45 years, earning the respect and gratitude of countless patients through his gentle manner, skilled care, and genuine compassion for others. Ray was also deeply involved in many ministries at Ashley River Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, taught Sunday School, and also sang in the choir. He was a wonderful dad and grandfather (Guapo) who helped lead his children to a personal relationship with Christ, had a caring and giving heart, and wanted to share God’s love with others. Ray embraced every opportunity for adventure and time with those he loved. A licensed pilot, he found great joy in flying and appreciated the beauty of God’s creation from above. Whether spending peaceful days on the water boating, planning family trips to Disney World, or simply enjoying time together, Ray treasured experiences that brought his family closer. He believed that life’s greatest blessings were found in creating memories with the people he loved most.
He is survived by his son, David Ray Hilton (Melissa) of Fort Mill, SC; his daughter, Denise Christene Hilton (Chadwick) of Charleston, SC; his five grandchildren, Thomas Hilton, Jackson Hilton, Lee Hilton, Luke Hilton, and Anna Caroline Hilton; and his two stepbrothers, Eddie Byrd (Lyn) and Phil Byrd (Patti); and his many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard David Hilton, and his stepmother, Carolyn Byrd Hilton.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at the Veterans’ Victory House and Patriot Hospice for the exceptional love, kindness, compassion, and care they provided for Ray.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ray’s memory to Ashley River Baptist Church, the Veterans’ Victory House, or Patriot Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.