Gerald Richard "Jerry" Bilton

Gerald R. Bilton passed away into his heavenly state on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

“Jerry,” as he was known, was born in Eutawville, South Carolina, the youngest son of his parents, Inez and Hubert Bilton.

Jerry grew up in the family business, which consisted of farming, retail, grain, and working the cotton gin. To his knowledge, he was the youngest gin operator at that time.He graduated from Holly Hill High School, Class of 1967, where he led in football and track. He furthered his education at Spartanburg Junior College and graduated from Georgia Southern College, Class of 1972, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Jerry worked at various radio stations in the Columbia area, including WVOC, which was formerly known as WIS. Jerry was an adventurer, having sailed in the Charleston Bermuda sailing race. Sailing was his passion, having lived on his sailboat named August Moon for nine and a half years.

Jerry retired from the United States Navy after twenty-one years of service. He earned numerous naval achievement medals, including meritorious unit commendations, a medal for good conduct, five service recruiting ribbons, a global war on terrorism medal, a medal for service in the Armed Forces, a medal for “Operation Enduring Freedom,” along with other ribbons.

After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Jerry started his company, Eagle Photography LLC. He won over 20 awards for his photography.

Jerry and his beautiful wife of thirty-nine years, Joan, lived a wonderful life together. Jerry always said the best thing that happened to him was marrying Joan. They were partners for life. On their dining room wall is a picture that states “Jerry and Joan: When we get to the end of our lives together, the house we had, the cars we drove, the things we possessed won’t matter. What will matter is that I had you, and you had me.” 

Jerry is predeceased by his parents and brother Bobby.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Joan; daughter, Jennifer Collier; grandson, Sean Collier; stepdaughter, Michelle Copeland; brother, Gene Bilton (JoAnn); sister-in-law Judy Bilton, and other relatives and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Bilton; Sean Collier, Chris Bilton; Robert Stevenson; Dwayne Jeffers; and close friend, James “Jimmy” Hutto.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2-3PM at Avinger Funeral Home. A service will follow in the chapel at 3PM.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Amedisys Hospice for the compassionate care, support, and kindness they provided to Jerry and his family during this difficult time. Their dedication and care will always be deeply appreciated.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.