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Samuel L. Hilderbrand Sr., 77, of Elizabeth City, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 24, 2021. He was born May 5, 1944 to the late Lewis Avery Hilderbrand and Elizabeth Gilleland Hilderbrand and was the husband of Rebecca McGee Hilderbrand. Sam served honorably in the US Coast Guard, and he retired from Exxon as a Chief Engineer and worked for Moran Towing until he was 72 years old.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Steve Hilderbrand, Ted Hilderbrand and Bonnie H. Stearns.

In addition to Rebecca “Becky,” his wife of 57 years, he is survived by three children, Sammy Hilderbrand and wife Rhonda, Beth Liebno and husband Jim, and Joseph Hildebrand and wife Kim, all of Elizabeth City; and his brother, Tony Hilderbrand and wife Cheryl. Sam is also survived by five grandchildren, Maranda Chappell and husband Jamie, Meagen Fiedler and husband Bobby, Brent Mason and wife Tori, Tyler Liebno and Abby Haring, Buddy Sawyer and wife Caitlin Sawyer; eleven great-grandchildren, Drake Cauley, Raylee and Maelynn Fiedler, Grayson and Ryland Liebno, Dakota, Lane and Aubrey Sawyer, Taylor, Bryce and Addison Chappell; his sister-in- law, Paulette Spencer; his brother-in-law, Phil Stearns; along with several nieces and nephews, including his bonus nephews, Carl Warren Stallings and Marty Hilderbrand; bonus niece, Nicki Hilderbrand; and his fur babies Willis and Lilly.

The family will hold a private memorial service. Expressions of sympathy and comfort are welcome via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., was entrusted with arrangements.

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