George Norman Hildreth

George Norman Hildreth, age 90, of Oak Ridge, passed away Wednesday, July 18, at his home.

He was born in DeKalb County, Tenn., on Sept. 4, 1921. Though he grew up in Alexandria, Tenn., home to him was Oak Ridge for more than 63 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Louise Elliott Hildreth, and his brother William Howard Hildreth.

Together, Louise and Norman raised three children: Becky Cooper, Larry Hildreth, and Gary Hildreth. He had three granddaughters, Christina Cooper Hunter, who is married to William Hunter, Lindsey Cooper and her fiancé Bradley Garland, and Sydney Cooper.

His family also includes son-in law Perry Cooper, great-grandchildren Aniston Lee Hunter and Haidyn Louise Hunter and, arriving in October, Hudson Langley Garland.

Norman Hildreth was a World War II veteran, serving in the 78th Infantry Division and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

In 1948, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, where he was president of his senior class. Coming to Oak Ridge in 1948, Norman worked at Y-12 and later devoted his business career to insurance and real estate, founding the Norman Hildreth Insurance and Real Estate Agency.

He served as vice mayor of Oak Ridge in earlier years.

As a result of his interest and involvement in business and politics, he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention four times. Norman Hildreth was also a member of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Oak Ridge Country Club, and the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 20, from 12 – 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tim Bounds officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Volunteer State War Era Honor Guard.

The family asks that any memorials be made to First Baptist Church in his memory.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.