Samuel Hilton Conley Jr.

CONLEY WINSTON-SALEM Samuel Hilton Conley, Jr. Feb. 28, 1926 - March 17, 2012 Samuel Hilton Conley, Jr. was born in Reading, PA on February 28, 1926 to Samuel Hilton Conley, Sr. and Lillie Mae Conley. Hilton, as he was generally known to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2012 at the Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61.5 years, Barbara Meyer Conley; a son, Mike Conley of Cary, NC; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Gary Renaldo of Winston-Salem, NC; and two grandchildren: Natalie Renaldo of Richmond, VA and Andrew Renaldo, a student at Washington & Lee University. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters: Lilymae Wilroy and Doris Conley. Hilton was a dedicated family man who always had the best interest of his wife, children, and grandchildren at heart. Throughout his life, he unselfishly gave of himself to friends, relatives and neighbors, and as a public and community servant. During WWII he served for 2.5 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service in the South Pacific. His Navy career continued for 40 years as a civilian with the Department of Defense, U. S. Navy. For many of those years he served as Superintendent of Transportation for the Naval District of Washington, with responsibilities related to transportation services for the White House, the Cabinet officers, the Marine Band, Camp David, Inauguration events, honors services at Arlington Cemetery, and numerous others. He was often called on to successfully negotiate with union and government representatives, where his even temper and sense of humor were indispensable. He finished his federal career at Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Alexandria, VA, drawing on his many years with the fire department to design and write specifications for fire and rescue equipment for U.S. Navy facilities worldwide. His responsibilities took him to factories around the country to make periodic checks on the equipment during production. Following his retirement in 1986, Hilton dedicated more time to his first and favorite community project, the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, where he had served since the age of 16. His years of service were only interrupted by his time in the military. He held many line and administrative positions in both the fire and rescue divisions, including treasurer and chaplain. In 1986, he was inducted into the Maryland State Firemen's Hall of Famethe highest honor a volunteer fireman can receive in the state of MD. On 11/11/11, Hilton was thrilled to travel to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC with the Triad's final Flight of Honor. On that day, members of the Accokeek VFD met him at the memorial with one of the company's engines to pay him a special tribute. Hilton and his wife retired to the shores of Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC in 1992. There he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, helping friends with projects, and working at the Mallard Head Golf Club. The Conleys moved to Winston-Salem in 2006, and two years ago settled into Independent Residency at Homestead Hills Retirement Community. Hilton enjoyed his many new friends, acquaintances, and experiences there. The family would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. David Collins, Dr. David Meyer and the many medical professionals and staff at Forsyth Medical Center and Hospice who gave so much caring attention to someone who has meant the world to us. In lieu of flowers the family suggests you consider donations in his memory to any of the following: American Lung Association, 514 Daniels St, #109, Raleigh, NC 27605; Accokeek VFD & RS, P.O. Box 226, Accokeek, MD 20607; or American Parkinson Disease Assoc., 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, March 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a Farewell Service at 8:00 p.m. at Salem Funeral Home, 2599 Reynolda Rd. The Military Burial Service will take place at the Salisbury (NC) National Cemetery Annex on Friday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m.. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.