Jack Dudley Hills

Jack Dudley Hills, AKA Pop Pop, 95 left this world to go to his heavenly home on 2-6-23. He is finally reunited with his wife and teammate Martha who predeceased him in 2016. Jack had an incredibly kind soul and was a fiercely dedicated family man.  He believed strongly in his faith and prayed daily to be joined with Martha - "what a day that will be".

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jack was born 1-11-28 to Schuyler and Fanchon Hills and raised in Cobleskill NY. He had one brother Robert who predeceased him in 2012.  He married Martha in 1951 and they raised their family in Connecticut.

Jack enlisted in the US Marine Corp in July of 1945.  After Boot Camp went to Sea School in San Diego. He was assigned to the USS IOWA BB-61 and had two years in the Pacific Fleet/occupation duty in Japan/WW II.  He was then transferred to the 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejune and assigned to Headquarters.  Was later transferred to HQMC Washington DC in the Officers Detail Section and stayed there through the Korean War crisis.  In 1952 Jack was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Jack was a very proud Marine. Once a Marine always a Marine. Semper Fidelis.

Jack is survived by his daughter Leslie Van (Bill) Hilton Head SC and their daughter Carlie (Justin) Winston Salem NC, son Gary Hills (Ria) and their 4 children Uxbridge MA, Niece Kelly Erie PA, and 4 great grandchildren.

Jack had a long career at CIGNA and took early retirement to play golf with his bride for the next 20+ years in Murrells Inlet, SC. They moved to Okatie, SC in 2000 to be closer to Leslie, Bill, and Carlie as family was everything to Jack.

Jack's life was surrounded in music. He played many instruments which he learned growing up.  Both he and Martha participated in a group called Myth Farmington (in Connecticut) where they did annual plays, acting and singing. He was in a quartet for many years which transformed into a gospel quartet. They sang in multiple venues and he considered the men his brothers. He also had a very special group of brothers at Church of The Palms. Jack was very involved in many churches through the years and loved singing in the choir.

For many years Jack was The Commander at the VFW Post 10420 in Murrells Inlet SC and was honored with All American Commander 4 years in a row.

A special gospel service will be at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton SC on Friday February 17, 2023 at 12:00.  A viewing of photos and sharing of memories will take place 11:30 to 12:00.  Burial will be at a later date at The Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors and will be private.

In lieu of flowers, if you chose to do so, please make a donation in Jack's honor to The Beaufort National Cemetery: www.pay.gov/public/form/start/552130744

The Beaufort National Cemetery
Web: http://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/552130744