Richard Wade Hilton, 73, of Whitney, Texas, passed away on September 24, 2026. Born October 29, 1952, Rick grew up in Waxahachie, Texas, where he spent his life building the stories, friendships, and memories that he could later tell for hours—and somehow have everyone laughing until they cried. To many who knew and loved him, he was also affectionately known as “Bubba.”

Rick was the son of the late Johnny and Dorothy Hilton. He retired from Verizon Wireless after many years of hard work, but anyone who knew Rick knew that work was only part of his story. He worked hard, but he played even harder.

A true outdoorsman, Rick felt at home wherever there were rivers to follow, mountains to explore, stars overhead, or another adventure waiting around the corner. He didn't just love those things for himself—he loved sharing them with the people closest to him. He could teach you how to navigate through the woods, how to find your way by following a stream, or how to make a compass using nothing more than a stick, a rock, and the sun. He had a way of turning the world around him into something worth noticing.

Rick was also a lifelong dog lover, and anyone who knew him knew just how spoiled and deeply loved his dogs were. Friends often joked that if they could come back in another life, they wanted to come back as one of Rick’s dogs—that was simply how well he treated them. He shared many years and memories with his beloved dogs, Doc and Gunner, who passed before him, and leaves behind his faithful companion, Scar, who held a very special place in his heart.

Rick was selfless, strong, wonderfully hard-headed, and completely full of life. He could find something good even in the difficult moments. When someone he loved was struggling, he had a way of changing their perspective, building them back up, and reminding them that there was still something ahead worth looking forward to. He was a storyteller, an adventurer, a loyal friend, and, above all, a beautiful soul.

Perhaps the greatest part of Rick's life was being a father and PawPaw. He raised his daughter, Meredith, from the time she was two years old, doing it on his own and never wavering in his love for her. Through every success, every mistake, and every mess life brought along, her daddy was there. He pushed her to do better, taught her how to find her way—both literally and figuratively—and loved her unconditionally.

That same love carried into being “PawPaw” to his grandchildren. He gave them the gift of having a PawPaw who didn't simply tell them about life; he showed them how to live it.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Meredith Hilton; his grandchildren, Raeleigh Sproles, Byron “Bear” Pinson, and Daxton Pinson; his sister, Sherran Alexander and her husband, Hoyt; his aunt, Johnnie Oates; and his nephews, Jeffrey Alexander, Todd Alexander and his wife Whitney.

Rick's family was never limited by blood. He is also survived by his longtime friend Barbara Arnold, with whom he shared many years and a lasting friendship; Barbara's son, Kyle Arnold, whom Rick loved and regarded as a son; and Barbara's sister, Peggy Smith, a dear friend who shared in so many of life's adventures with him.

He also leaves behind Meredith's best friends, Stacie Breckenridge, Monica Gregerson and Kamery Abbottwho over the years became like daughters to Rick. They shared countless trips, adventures, laughs, and memories with Rick and the family—the kind of memories that became stories Rick would carry and tell for years. Monica's daughter, Kiera, also held a special place in Rick's heart and became part of the family right along with them.

Rick also leaves behind many close and beloved cousins and a remarkable circle of lifelong friends. Some were friends for so many years that the word “friend” hardly seemed big enough. They were part of his stories, his adventures, his laughter, and his life, and they became family simply because Rick loved them that way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Dorothy Hilton, and his nephew, Keith Alexander.

Rick loved life—all of it. The adventures, the hard times, the laughter, the stories, the people, the rivers, the mountains, and every opportunity to see what might be around the next bend. The people who loved him will miss his stories, his laughter, his stubbornness, his wisdom, and the reassurance of knowing that, no matter what happened, Rick was there.

For Meredith, he was simply the best daddy she could ever have asked for. For his grandchildren, he was the best PawPaw. And for everyone fortunate enough to share part of his journey, he leaves behind a lifetime of stories worth telling.

A Celebration of Life honoring Rick will be announced soon, with the date and location to follow.