Mr. Hilton Eugene Williams, Sr., 73, of Vanceboro, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, Nov. 18, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family as he entered the Gates of Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior.

The service will be held Wednesday, at 11 a.m. at Parkers Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by his pastor Rev. Henry Horne and his son, Rev. Gene Williams. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park.

Gene was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will always be known for his integrity, work ethic and spiritual wisdom. Born and raised in Beaufort County, Gene graduated from Chocowinity High School in 1964 and served in the National Guard from 1965-1972. A dedicated employee and hardworking man, Gene retired from PCS Phosphate after 29 years of service as a general foreman. However, his work did not stop there. Gene was also a co-proprietor, along with his wife, Linda, of the Merle Norman franchise in Washington. As a member of the Union Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord and his church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also served as a lay pastor and elder at the Wilmar Church of Christ in the late 1980s. His greatest joys came from his hard work, gardening and working in his yard. He was also a wonderful cook who loved to prepare meals for his family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Sally Williams; and siblings, Margaret Mayo, Merlin Williams, Mac Williams, John Williams, Alice Langley, Sally Woolard; and brother-in-law, Dumay Clark.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Clark Williams, of Chocowinity; daughters, Gail Williams Ward and husband Ben, of Lexington, Lori Williams Walston and husband Steve, of Wilson; son, Rev. Gene Williams and wife Leslie, of Greenville; grandchildren, Jamie Ward, Jackson Ward, Josh Walston, Jake Walston, Jared Walston, Faith Williams, Grace Williams and Jonathan Williams; brothers-in-law, Osborne Clark and wife Barbara, David Clark and wife Shelia, Clifton Clark and wife Betty, Mike Clark and wife Debbie, Tommy Clark and wife Ann, Terry Clark and wife Christy; and sister-in-law, Christine Clark.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Greenville.

Flowers are always welcome or donations may be made to Southeastern Free Will Baptist Church Bible College; 532 Eagle Rock Road, Wendell, NC 27591.

Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory.

Online condolences at www.WilkersonFuneralHome.com.