Robert Hemby Hitch

Ltc. Robert H Hitch, US Army (retired) passed away peacefully in his sleep after short illness on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born on February 11, 1932, to the late Beulah Mae and William D Hitch of Jacksonville. Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home on Chaney Ave, Jacksonville, NC. Visitation will be at 10:00am in the Jones Funeral Home Chapel, followed by funeral service at 11:00am. Followed by burial at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00pm.

Ltc. Hitch is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Virginia K Hitch. He is survived by two sons, Robert T Hitch of Surf City NC and George W (Bill) Hitch of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a native of Jacksonville and Onslow County. Graduate of Jacksonville High School Class of 1949. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Tampa and his Masters Degree from Central Michigan University. He was a graduate of the Command General Staff College; Advanced Infantry Officers Course & Special Forces Officers Course and numerous other military schools. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Artillery and subsequently transferred to the Infantry Branch. He served tours in Germany, Saudi Arabia, where he was the G1 Advisor to the Saudi Land Forces. Two tours in Vietnam with Military Advisors Command – Vietnam (MACV) as an Advisor to the Vietnamese Ranger and 25th ARVN Division. He completed his at HQ Forces Command (FORCOM) in Atlanta Ga in 1984. Upon his retirement the family moved back to Savannah GA prior to his return to Jacksonville NC in 1996.

Among Ltc Hitch's military awards are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with combat "V," Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross with oakleaf cluster, Gallantry with Palm and numerous foreign awards.

Following retirement in 1984 they traveled "Space A" throughout the Pacific and Europe for a year and only to return when they were required to move their household goods to their final retirement location – Savannah GA. They resided in Savannah until the summer of 1992 when they placed their house on the market and bought a 34ft 5th wheel camper and truck. When the house sold, they placed the furniture in storage and began a 5-year travel log which took them to most of the United States. Due to medical problems, they did not make the West Coast of Alaska journey but met many RV'ers from all over the United States and Canada and established friends and relationships that continued for many years.

The Family will receive friends at the Jacksonville home of Bill Hitch at 706 Page Dr following the burial.