Paul Alfred Hilman

Master Chief (ETCM Ret.) Paul Alfred Hilman passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 25, 2018, surrounded by his family in his home. Born September 12, 1929, in Mitchell, SD, Paul began to reveal his character early, when he enlisted in the United States Navy on his graduation day at Harold High School at the age of 17. Over the next 27 years of service, Paul would be stationed in the Philippines, Guam, Tripoli, Long Beach, Chicago, and Annapolis — and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Prior to retiring at E-9 Master Chief Rank, Paul was nominated for Master Chief of the Navy. Rather than leaving the field and his men, Paul chose to retire and continue his life of service. Over the next 19 years, Paul served as the Supervisor of the Lyme Plant division of the Orange County (CA) Water District. Never content to rest on his days off or in retirement, Paul sought out a number of odd jobs that allowed him to interact with and serve the general public as he steadfastly saved the money necessary to bring his family to the United States from the Philippines. He passed down this penny-wise mindset by matching his children’s savings dollar for dollar in their youth and building a college fund for each to pursue their dreams. In 1995, Paul and his wife, Virginia, moved to Maryville, Tennessee at the behest of their grandson. Here, Paul continued to seek out opportunities to experience and improve the community, becoming a regular Pinochle and Cribbage champ at the Blount County Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels for over seven years (even after requiring assistance), and logging 2,300 hours of volunteer time at Blount Memorial Hospital. Throughout his life, he spent his spare time as an avid coin collector and voracious reader. Married 51 years, Paul and Virginia leave behind a sprawling family and legacy. Paul is preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia Bautista Hilman, his parents, Blanche Lien Hilman (Mitchell, SD) and Charlie and Faye Hilman (Holdrege, NE), daughter Natividad Blanco and grandson, Ed Blanco (Las Vegas, NV). He is survived by his siblings in Holdrege, NE, Charlene and husband Hanson, Jerry and wife Marlene Hilman, and Linda Smith, and children: Blanche Hilman and husband Joe Brien (Benicia, CA), Harvey Hilman and wife Sharon (Maryville, TN) , Janet Sullivan and husband Steven (Maryville, TN), Deedee McNeiley and life partner John Pruzin (Munster, IN), and Oscar Hilman and wife Patty (Tacoma, WA). He is also survived by countless nephews, nieces, great-grandkids and over twenty grandkids, including Alex, Arielle, and Gilbert Brien, and Daniel Sullivan. The family would like to give a special thanks to those that loved and cared for Paul over the years: Mike Morrell, those at Foothills Bank and Trust, and his caregivers, Malynda and Martha. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00 am at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a difference in Paul’s spirit with a donation to Smoky Mountain Meals on Wheels (http://www.smokymountainmow.org) or by volunteering your time for those in need. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Alfred Hilman please visit our Sympathy Store.