Hilton is a longtime resident of South Georgia and lived most of his childhood in Albany and Worth County. He earned degrees in Physics, Biology and Dental Medicine from Georgia schools. He came back  to Albany in 1991 and practiced dentistry until retiring in 2003 so he could spend more time enjoying outdoor activities.

He has various interests and hobbies, including photography and cycling. He has visited and ridden on many multi-use trails in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and other states. These trails provide safe places for the enjoyment of physical and outdoor activities where there are no other alternatives. Hilton would like to have this area catch up with other communities in Georgia and neighboring states by supporting its own multiuse trail as well as other resources for activities for its citizens.