John Thomas Hilton, 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Camille Whitener Hilton entered into eternal rest Wednesday, August 26, 2026. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the French Protestant (Huguenot) Church, 136 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401, at 11:00 am. Reception to immediately follow at the Huguenot Heritage Hall, 44 Queen Street Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

John Thomas Hilton passed away on August 26, 2026. A Charleston native, John graduated from Porter Gaud School then attended Furman University, where he was the goalie for the soccer team. He then matriculated at the University of South Carolina and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. After graduating with a degree in history, John taught American History and Civics at Baptist Hill High School in Hollywood, South Carolina and coached football as well as track and field. John then embarked on a career spanning fifty years in domestic and international shipping.

John loved his family, his many friends, and his extensive camellia garden. He also had a particular fondness for Brittany Spaniels, having many throughout his life.

John was a member of: the Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of Confederate Veterans - Fort Sumter Camp, the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, the Society of First Families of South Carolina, and the Carolina Yacht Club. As John had a deep love of camellias his beloved great uncle Robert “Bob” Parler instilled in him, he was also a member of the American Camellia Society and the International Camellia Society.

Most importantly, John was a member of the French Protestant (Huguenot) Church for forty-three years. He zealously served on the Church board of directors for twenty-eight years, serving for six years as president of the same.

John was predeceased by his father, Lt. John T. Hilton, US Navy and his mother, Gladys Collier Hilton. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Camille Whitener Hilton, and two daughters, Anna Grey Hilton and Collier Hilton Inabinett (PD) all of Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the French Protestant (Huguenot) Church, 136 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401 or the Compassionate Care ALS society, 17 Chase Rd, Falmouth, MA 02540 or online at: https://ccals.org.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.