Hilton Ray Modlin

Published 7:00 pm Friday, August 3, 2018

Mr. Hilton Ray Modlin, age 90, a resident of Washington, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at the Durham VA Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Washington, officiated by Rev. Greg Barmer. Pallbearers will be Hank Terry Modlin, Jr., Brent Modlin, Justin Modlin, Jack Campbell, Sam Jenkins and Arthur Leary.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

Mr. Modlin was born in Beaufort County on Feb. 2, 1928, son of the late Dennis Hilton Modlin and the late Lillian Mae Hassell Modlin. He was a graduate of Bath High School and continued his education at East Carolina College and Tri State University in Indiana where he received his BS in mechanical engineering. Mr. Modlin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp. On March 25, 1949, he married the former Lucy “Marlene” Smith who preceded him in death on Aug. 17, 2004. Mr. Modlin was owner/operator of H.R. Modlin Construction Co. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Washington. Mr. Modlin enjoyed flying planes and bluegrass music. He was a lead guitar player and singer with the Carolina Plow Boys Band. He also enjoyed playing duets with his friend Julian Elliot.

Mr. Modlin is survived by two sons, Hank Terry Modlin, Sr. and John Roy Modlin and wife Sarah, all of Washington; three daughters, Becky M. Jenkins and husband Ronnie, of Williamston, Wanda M. Godwin, of Henrico, Virginia, and Rita Paulette Coggins and husband Steve, of Rocky Mount; a daughter-in-law, Karen Modlin, of Bath; a brother:, Bobby Earl Modlin and wife Betty, of Blounts Creek; 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Sam Stuart Modlin in 1981 and Dennis Ray Modlin in 2014, and three sisters, Hilda Mae Ballance, Katie Johnson and Ellen Hardison.

Flowers are appreciated; however, those wishing to remember Mr. Modlin with a memorial contribution are asked to consider Widows Mite Fund of First Baptist Church, 113 N. Harvey St., Washington, NC 27889.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Modlin family.