Lee Holmes Hilton III

(March 22, 1935 - May 10, 2020)

On Sunday, May 10, 2020, Lee Holmes Hilton III, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was a loving husband, father of four, grandfather of seven, and great-grandfather of nine. He gained his heavenly wings at the age of 85.

Lee Holmes Hilton III, was born on March 22, 1935 to proud parents Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Hilton Jr, in Louisville, KY and lived there for the first 12 years of his life.  When Lee was 12 yrs of age, he moved with his family to Sylvania, GA.. At the age of 14, he attended Christ School in Ashville, NC for 1 year. He then returned home to Sylvania to complete his education from Screven County High School. During his high school years, he pursued photography, which was one of his favorite hobbies. He also, enjoyed spending much time running the projectors at the local downtown theater.

On April 15, 1952, Lee voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served during the Korean War, as a photographer stationed in Guam and on the USS Kearsarge, (a heavy attack aircraft carrier). While stationed on the USS Kearsarge, Lee traveled to many places, including Honolulu, Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong. Lee achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1 ^st Class and received an honorable discharge on March 2, 1956. During his time in the Navy, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and The China Service Medal.

In 1956, Lee attended Georgia Teachers College for 1.5 years in Stateboro, GA.. He then went on to follow his true passion of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami, FL., where he graduated as a Flight Engineer.  He kicked off a lengthy career in Aviation and it gave him many joyful years that took him all over the world as well as made life long friendships along the way that he cherished up until his final days.

In 1965, Lee Hilton III, met the Love of his life, Mary Alice Rains Ozment, who was a Flight attendant for the same American Flyers Airlines company where he was a Flight engineer.  They obtained a marriage license on December 30, 1965 and exchanged wedding vows a little after midnight on December 31 ^st , at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. They lived an adventurous life full of love and commitment to each other and their family.  Together they raised four beautiful children, Wade Thomas Ozment, Lee Holmes Hilton IV, Alice Daelene Hilton McComic, and Jostlyn Thomas Hilton (deceased age 4).  He also worked many wonderful years with his parents-in-law, Hoot  and Armalee Rains. They took him under their wings, which allowed him to spend more quality time at home with his immediate family after the untimely passing of his son, Jostlyn.

He had a love of animals throughout his life especially his dog Flash and his horse, Gal, whom he spoke fondly of throughout his life.  His last dog, Luke Skywalker "Bro", spent many days at his feet and was with him in his last hours.  He had a huge love for family, friends, flying, road trips, photography and he was a handyman of all trades as well as keeping ahead of all the latest technologies. There was nothing he couldn't take apart and put back together in his life. Some of his favorite movies includes; Always, Gone with the Wind, Cocoon, The Last Starfighter, and Forrest Gump . He also loved listening to A Prairie Home Companion on the radio.

Lee Holmes Hilton III was preceded in death by his beloved son Jostlyn Thomas Hilton (age 4), his father Lee Holmes Hilton Jr "L.H.", his mother Evelyn Odom Hilton, his sisters:  Marjorie Dryden, Evelyn Taylor Leach Olliff,  and his parents-in-law:  Hoot and Armalee Rains, his maternal grandparents; "Dee Dee" Septima Goodwin Odom and "Papa"  Hugh Daniel Odom, paternal grandparents:  Bessie Hill and Lee Holmes Hilton, his Aunt:  "Dottie" Hilton Baxley and Uncle Willard Baxley.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Alice Rains Hilton, and his 2 loving sons;  Wade Thomas Ozment of Shreveport, LA., Lee Holmes Hilton IV & (Debbie) of Shreveport, LA., and his loving daughter:  Alice Daelene Hilton McComic & (Brandon) of Bossier City, LA..  Also survived by his loving sisters:  Nancy Hilton Scherr & (Norman), Patty Hilton Martin & (Joe), and his sister-in-law:  Theresa Gail Rains Walton & (Rodney) and many beloved nieces, and nephews.

He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Jared Lee Hilton & (Astrid), Yasmeen Collier & (Bryan),  Amanda Hollowell & (Tyler), David Hollowell & (Brittany), James Horne & (Kristen), Sarah McComic, and Tyler McComic.  As well as his great grandchildren:  Caden Scott Hollowell, Lilith Grace Hollowell, Juliette Sage Hollowell, Emilia Kate Hollowell, Scarlett Rose Yelverton, Armalee Adara Hilton, Brooklynn Rylee Miller, Sidney Jewell Miller, and Brylee Dakota Collier.

Much gratitude to his son, Wade, who lived in the home and dedicated himself as his father's caregiver, which became the reason Lee was able to come home from recent hospitalizations to spend his final days with his family.

Much appreciation and love to the compassionate support from Primestar Home Health nurses, Dyna Clay and Melissa Garcia.  Also, all         other medical providers including Mike, NP of  HBPC, Dr. Kheiralla, with the Blue team at Overton Brooks VAMC, WK North hospital                        medical staff and housekeeping assistant Haley, from First Name Basis.

There will be a small memorial service with an honor guard ceremony at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, LA., officiated by Brother Wayne Fussell at 10am on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

He lived a very long vibrant life full of love, joy and many adventures and will be missed by many. "So long, and thanks for taking my call, remember who loves you....Always" -Lee Holmes Hilton III