Funeral services for a retired custodial worker at Carroll High School are scheduled for Saturday.
Services for Robert Bilton, a beloved member of the custodial staff of Carroll High School, will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
Known for his happy spirit and easy-going personality, Bilton gained many friends among the faculty and staff of Carroll before retiring after 21 years.
He was active in the community and often participated in community cleanups and efforts to help the poor and distressed.
Although he was partially blind, Bilton did not let his physical challenge stop him from living life to its fullest. A decade ago he even played the lead role in the African-American Heritage Drama “Shoeshine.” In the play, Bilton played the role of Alfred Blakes, who was also a partially blind community leader.
At Carroll, he was more than a custodian, he was an all-around volunteer who made himself available above and beyond the call of duty. He helped Mrs. Janice Fleming raise money for the school cheerleaders with his signature “chicken on a stick” product. Whatever he was asked to do to help the cheerleaders, Bilton was at Mrs. Fleming’s side.
He helped many political candidates as a campaign volunteer.
His was a simple life. He enjoyed trips to Sam’s and watching sports. Most of all he enjoyed watching the Golden State Warriors play, win or lose.
He was reared in the church and was a familiar face in the Renwick Neighborhood churches, First Baptist, Antioch, and Bethel. Whether he was hanging out at Ford’s Grocery as a youth, or sweeping floors at Carroll High Bilton found a way to bring joy to all who met him.
His life and cheerful spirit was meaningful to the hundreds of students who found him to be a person they could talk to, laugh with, and gain support from.
Bilton’s death was not expected. He checked into the hospital for a minor procedure that developed into a blood clot. After several days in intensive care, and life support, he passed away.
Bilton was not married and had no children.
His survivors include: four Brothers, Larry Bilton, Maynard Bilton, Rickey Singleton and Zachary Bilton of Jacksonville, Fl. Three sisters: Linda Ross of Monroe; Angela Reado, Baton Rouge; Elizabeth Connor of Haslet, Tx. and a host of relatives and friends.
