Obituary of Hilton Thomas Goulson

Hilton Thomas Goulson, 84, of Chapel Hill, died October 21, 2014 in the family home where he lived for 54 years. He was born in Chippewa County, Minnesota on May 4, 1930 to Thomas and Mathilda Oddan Goulson. Hilton grew up on a farm in Minnesota with three siblings: Mary Ann, Richard and Constance. He graduated from Milan High School in Minnesota and then received his undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Hilton then moved to Chapel Hill where he spent the rest of his life. After graduating with his PhD from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health in 1957, he joined the faculty of the Department of Parasitology and Laboratory Practice. Hilton met his wife, Jo Ann Pinnell, as graduate school students in Public Health and they were married in 1954. Since 1952, he lived a full life in Chapel Hill, and was very involved in family, community, and a distinguished professional career. Outside of work and family, Hilton enjoyed rose gardening and UNC athletics among many things. He was a devoted member of United Church of Chapel Hill and served on innumerable committees and work groups through the years. Most of his civic service came through the Kiwanis Club, where he held various officer positions. He received many appreciation awards for his work in that organization and community. He loved his work as a member of the Faculty of the University and the teaching and service that accompanied that. He retired in 1992 after 35 years of service. In the Department, he rose through the ranks to become Chairman. Toward the end of his career, he coordinated efforts in the design and construction of McGavran-Greenburg Hall. This led to the Governor's Award for Excellence in 1989 for outstanding contributions to the people and the state of North Carolina. Hilton is survived by two children: Daniel Goulson of Lexington Kentucky (wife Nancy Storck Goulson); Amy Goulson Cutrell of Chapel Hill (husband Ben Cutrell) and by two sisters: Mary Ann Larson of Benson Minnesota (husband Lawrence Larson); Constance Hanson of Wilmar Minnesota (husband Ron Hanson) and by two sisters-in-law: Betty Pinnell Parker of Chapel Hill (husband Red Parker); Dawn Goulson of Montevideo Minnesota (late husband Richard Goulson). Hilton has six grandchildren: Preston, Zachary, Grace and Anna Goulson of Lexington; Ashley and Stacey Cutrell of Chapel Hill. As a widower, he and his family were grateful for the companionship of Elizabeth Read. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother and his wife of 38 years, Jo Ann Pinnell Goulson. The funeral will be held at the United Church of Chapel Hill on Friday October 24, 2014 at 11 am followed by internment at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. The family is receiving visitors at Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill on Thursday, October 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charles House Association, an eldercare location where Hilton enjoyed spending time (http://www.charleshouse.org/support.htm).