Dr. Robert Bruce Hilbun of Soso, MS passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at home at the age of 95. He was born on Feb. 12, 1931.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Bruce S. Hilbun and Cammie Miller Hilbun, and 5 brothers, Billy Hilbun, John Hilbun, Charles Carroll Hilbun, Joel P. Hilbun, and Tom Hilbun, and one son, Bruce Thomas Hilbun.

Survivors include his wife, Gail Chisholm Hilbun; sons Robert E. (Tracy) Hilbun, Lane Hilbun, and Johnny Chisholm (Cy); grandchildren Zach Hilbun (Alex), Hunter Alford (Kyle), Allison Hilbun, David Hilbun, and Dean Hilbun; great-grandchildren Rivers Alford and Nicole Alford.

He graduated from Jones County Agricultural High School. Robert joined the MS National Guard during his senior year in high school and volunteered to active duty to attend Medical Field Service School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His National Guard unit was called to active duty at the beginning of the Korean War. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class instructor and was sent to the war zone in Korea. He served on the island of Okinawa war zone.

After the war he attended and graduated from MS State University with a degree in Bacteriology, and then attended the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry with the Dr. of Dental Surgery degree.

Dr. Hilbun practiced dentistry in Laurel for over 45 years. Early in his dental practice he became a pilot, and this made it possible to do mission work along the Texan-Mexican border.

He, along with his wife Gail, did overseas mission work — two trips to Honduras, 4 trips to Russia, and two trips to Ukraine.

He was very active in his church work, including Centerville Baptist, First Baptist Laurel, and Salem Heights Baptist. He taught many Bible studies and a TV Sunday School class at First Baptist Laurel. He also served as a deacon.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 10:00 until 12:00 at Salem Heights Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 P.M. Burial will be at Big Creek Cemetery on Hwy 84 West.

Rev. Brent Benson and Rev. Troy Hobson will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Terry Moore, Billy Guy, David Hudson, Rickey Blackwell, Ken Keyes, and Joe Blackledge.

Honorary Pallbearers are Norris Wallace and Dr. Don Hall.