Raymond Edward Hilton, Jr. was born on November 1, 1927 in Miami Florida, the only son of Anna Hilton and Raymond Hilton Sr. Not much has survived the telling of Anna's history but his father Raymond Sr had family in Richmond VA. It is believed that Raymond Jr grew up in the Brownsville neighborhood of Miami, also known as "The Pork & Beans".
Raymond spent many summers with his grandparents in Richmond. When WW2 began Raymond Jr joined the Army Air Corp. He served honorably and after being discharged he returned to complete his education, graduating from Booker T Washington High School in Norfolk. He then attended "Little State" College, currently known as Norfolk State University.
Raymond met his first wife Delores Dagner and together they introduced to the world Karlton, Kenneth, Yolette, and Delores. During this time, he began working at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia where he worked the night shift until he retired. While working at NAS Norfolk, he started a second job working at Scott's Beauty Supply in Norfolk as a delivery driver and eventually became their best salesman.
Raymond later met and married Montrose Elam of Newport News. He and Montrose had a daughter, Rae Edwita.
Throughout Raymond’s sales career he was recognized as a top performer. Eventually Ray started his own business which served the Tidewater, Richmond, and Petersburg areas primarily but also Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Danville markets. He was professional and was excellent at both customer service as well as personal connection. He helped many, now accomplished cosmetology professionals, to get their start and grow to success. He was a sacrificial provider and an exceedingly devoted father. He was committed to the generations of his family.
Raymond was a good friend, a devotee of Jazz music and a loyal, pride and true Washington Redskin fan.
Leaving to cherish Raymond’s memories are his wife, Montrose; his sons, Karlton (Loretta) and Kenneth (Pat); his daughters, Yolette, Kim (Vernon), Delores, Gina, and Rae (Michael); his cousin, Delores Bailey of Richmond VA; his godson, Robert Tripp Jr.; his goddaughter, Erica Grimstead, as well as a host of extended family and friends.