George Hildebrand, Sr.

George Hildebrand, Sr., age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1943, in Jesse, West Virginia, to the late Earl and Gladys (Stewart) Hildebrand. At an early age, his family moved to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative years and where many of his lifelong memories were made.

As an adult, George relocated to Florida and began what would become a remarkable career in the automotive industry with the Pennzoil group. For more than 35 years, he dedicated himself to sales and to providing some of the best automotive products available. It has often been said that when a person truly loves what they do, it never feels like work. For George, that saying could not have been more true.

His love for automobiles extended far beyond his profession. George had a lifelong passion for building hot rods and custom performance vehicles. Known for his skill, creativity, and relentless drive for perfection, his work earned admiration not only from friends and fellow enthusiasts but from automotive fans across the country and around the world. One of his custom builds even set an N.H.R.A. record that stood for several years; an accomplishment he took great pride in. George often joked that part of his success came from starting with what he believed to be the best automobiles ever built: Ford.

Following his retirement, George returned to New Castle, Pennsylvania, the place he had always considered home. As his health began to decline, he later moved to south Georgia to be closer to his family and loved ones. George’s passion for life, family, and automobiles will be remembered fondly, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Karen Hildebrand; and a sister, Victoria Verzilli.

Left to cherish the memories of a life well lived are his three children, George Hildebrand, Jr., Jodi J. (Darryl) Smith, and Heidi L. Tatum; nine grandchildren, Steve (Leigh) Odom, Jake Odom, George L. (Heather) Hildebrand, III, Ciara C. Odom, Kyle P. (Ayneslie) Hildebrand, Katelyn M. (Jimmy) Beecher, Tyler J. Smith, Kristen G. (Chris) Burnside, and Jennifer Bangert; fifteen great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends made along life’s journey.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Smith’s Family Cemetery.

Low Country Cremation & Burial is honored to serve the Hildebrand family during this time of bereavement.