With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Eric L. Hilton, 50, of Manning, SC, who passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The Life and Times of Eric Hilton

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

Eric Lamont Hilton was born on August 23, 1975 in Manning, South Carolina to Betty Hilton and the late Louis Hilton. Eric was called home to rest in the Presence of the Lord. Eric's life was a testament to strength, perseverance and faith. His memories will continue to live in our hearts.

Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was a man of faith. His favorite saying was "I walk by faith and not by sight." Eric had a deep love for life and people. He could meet you as a stranger, but would quickly become a lifetime acquaintance.

Eric received his early education in the public schools of Clarendon County and graduated from Manning High School in 1993.

Eric was the moderator for 5:00 AM Morning Prayer for eight years, where he touched the lives of many. He was the Vice President of the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina. He worked as a Transition Specialist Guide for blind and low vision teens by providing pre-employment transition services that build skills and allow the teens to independently, live the lives that they want.

Eric was a peer mentor specialist and focused a large portion of his time on connecting teens with blind mentors and peers through building positive relationships and connections in the community.

Loved ones left to cherish his memories forever are: his fiancé, Latretia Butler of Sumter, SC; his daughter, Aubre'Anah (Justin Young) Battiste of Ohio; his mother, Betty Hilton of Manning, SC; three sisters, Shanta (Shawn) Green of St. Stephen, SC, LaDovia Hilton of Manning, SC, and Janifer Hilton of Summerton, SC; his granddaughter, Nia Young of Ohio; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.