Elwood Richard Hilts

Elwood Richard Hilts, 88, of Elizabeth City, was welcomed into His home in Heaven on November 14, 2025. Elwood was born on October 3,1937 in Herkimer, New York. He was the second oldest of 12 children born to Ann and Elwood Hilts. As a young man, Elwood worked at the family dairy and a veterinary clinic to help support the family. At the age of 17, he left home to join the US Navy. This began a 22-year military career which also included service in the Air Force and Coast Guard. His military travels would take him all over the country and world to stations in Maryland, Alaska, Greenland and many other places. He was a quiet and humble man who would seldom share stories about some of the extraordinary things he did like being a part of the astronaut recovery team for the Apollo missions or saving lives during dangerous search and rescue missions. To him, it was just what he did at work that day.

After his retirement from the military in 1977, Elwood opened Hilts TV and Electronic Repair Shop next to his home in Elizabeth City. After 20 years, he retired again and enjoyed many different hobbies. He was a self-taught stained-glass artist and loved making custom pieces for family. He spent hours restoring classic cars and would love to go to car shows to display them and meet with friends. Beekeeping was a passion for him, even though he was allergic to bees. He could always be found tinkering with something in his shop.

He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Neva and their five children: Darolyn Hilts, Dianna (Russell) Cartwright, Neva (Tod) Smith, Kerna (Cris) Reynolds, Richard (Debbie) Hilts. He will be lovingly remembered by five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor the life of Elwood at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home Chapel, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC. Procession will follow to West Lawn Cemetery in Elizabeth City where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elwood’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com