Thomas Franklin Hilton

Thomas Franklin Hilton was born to James and Maude Hilton on September 3, 1936, right in his family’s home at 52 Ivy Street in the sprawling metropolis of  Porterdale Ga.—back when the bathroom was still on the porch and life was simple, but oh so full. Porterdale boys were just wired differently.  Franklin’s early childhood days were spent playing with the other Porterdale boys at such complicated games as kick the can, and throwing rocks in the Yellow river. He accepted Christ and was baptized at the age of 9 at Porterdale Baptist Church. He attended Newton County High School, and with his momma’s permission decided to leave school in the 12th grade to join the United States Army. He served as a Military Policeman, and was stationed at the DMZ of Korea and at Fort Greely Alaska—two places a Porterdale boy probably never imagined he’d see.

Franklin met the love of his life June at Bailey’s skating rink on Hwy 81. Fresh out of the army and just out with the boys, he looked across the room and spotted June Standard sitting on a bench, and the rest was history. Driving home in his 59 Ford Fairlane 500 with a Thunderbird Interceptor engine must have impressed June to stick around and they were married just nine months later.

Franklin was a hard worker his entire life, always juggling multiple jobs. His first job was hauling hay for $3 a day, and he went on to dedicate 38 years to the City of Covington Police Department and another 10 years to Newton County Sheriff’s Office. If you were ever on the Covington square, and got a little chalk on your tires, there’s a good chance it was Franklin. His intimidating stare was only a facade that earned him the nickname Bulldog, but only temporarily blocked the true servant’s heart that drove everything he did.

One of his greatest legacies that he was most proud of began in 1974, when he started a program called Police Who Care, that would become a heartfelt mission to help people in need. That first year, through merchant donations and a whole lot of determination, 156 children received Christmas gifts, a meal, and something even greater—a reminder that someone cared. The program still continues today.

If you asked Franklin what mattered most, he wouldn’t hesitate: “I love my family.” He lived by simple but powerful advice: Always be honest. Help those in need.  And treat people the way you want to be treated.

Franklin had a fun-loving spirit. He loved going to the beach, singing (even when he didn’t know the words), cheering on the Bulldogs, and enjoying watching golf, a sport which he never played.

Franklin Hilton will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, and lived fully. His stories will be told for years to come—probably with a little laughter, just the way he would’ve wanted. This world is emptier because he died, but oh so much fuller because he lived.

Franklin is survived by his bride of 66 years June, his three children Rhonda Weesner (Mark), Jenny Hilton McDonald, Todd Hilton (Melanie), Grandchildren Chad Weesner (Jennifer), Katie Durand (Matt), Jake McDonald, Connor Hilton, Evan Hilton, Averi Hilton, and Bailey Hilton. Great-Grandchildren Raylin Weesner, Rhett Weesner, Brock Durand, and Bo Durand.

A Celebration of Life for Franklin will be held at 6 o’clock, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Mansfield Methodist Church, 3031 N. Main Street, Mansfield, Georgia 30055 with Reverend Todd Hilton officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM prior to the service on Thursday. 

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