Mr. Hilton Gales, age 85, of Lumberton, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021, due to complications from dementia. He was born on July 19, 1935 in Maxton, NC to the late William T. Gales and the late Mabel M. Gales, and he was one of 10 children. He graduated from Maxton High School in 1954.

Hilton started working for Woods 5 & Dime, Inc. in 1945 as a stockroom clerk and in 1957 he became store manager and eventually managed stores from 5,000 square feet to 31,000 square feet. For one and a half years, he supervised and was the buyer for 27 stores. When C.B. Drug purchased Woods, Hilton managed the Lumberton-based store for 13 years. After Woods closed its doors, he continued to work in retail until retirement.

Hilton took great pride in being a Mason and received the Diamond Jubilee Certificate for 60 years as Master Mason of the St. Alban's Lodge No. 114 of Lumberton, NC. He was a "company man" so when he wasn't working, he enjoyed playing a little golf and spending time with family. During his retirement, he discovered a love for landscaping and planting gardens and the joy of being a dog owner.

Most important was his love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He read the entire Bible from beginning to end two times, documenting his journey with God along the way. He was also a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. His quiet nature and soft smile will always be remembered by those who knew him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bobby John Gales, James Gales, and William Thomas Gales, Jr., and his sister, Louise Gales Brigman.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Ann May Gales; his children: John Hilton Gales of Lumberton, NC, Melinda Gales Hedgpeth and husband Robert of Lumberton, NC, and Jennifer "Ginger" Gales Lewis and husband Craig of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren: Thad Hedgpeth (Talara) of Greenfield, NY, Brooke Keit (Weston) of Winston-Salem, NC, Bryant Lewis, and Bradley Lewis; and great-grandchildren: Leila, Johnsie Parker, and Teddy Hedgpeth and Libby and Lucy Keit. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Leroy Gales (Pauline), Vernon Gales, Martha Ann Gales Maryhew, Lillie Mae Gales Yawn (Mike), and Ruth Gales Lindsay.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Midway Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 9115 Hwy 130 in Maxton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Shriner's Hospital for Children – www.ShrinersHospitalForChildren.org.