Dr. Arthur Edward Hiltbold, Jr. passed away at home in Auburn on February 11, 2018 at the age of 92. Art was born April 24, 1925 in Brooklyn New York to Arthur (Sr) and Marjorie Hiltbold. He spent most of his youth in Rochester, NY, then moved with his family to Baldwin, Long Island, NY. At the beginning of World War II, he joined the Armed Forces to become a paratrooper. His time in the Army was cut short when he developed Rheumatic Fever while in training in Colorado, and was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Cornell University to pursue a Bachelors degree in Agriculture. He then moved to Iowa State University to pursue a Masters degree in Agronomy. It was at Iowa State that he met his future wife, Helen Marian Thomson, also pursuing a Masters degree. They were married in 1948 at her family home in Saskatchewan. Art and Marian returned to Cornell where he began a PhD program in soil microbiology. Upon completion of his PhD, Art joined the faculty of Auburn University in the Agronomy and Soils Department, a career that would last over 40 years. He had a distinguished career studying the interactions of legumes with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. His work enhanced our understanding of how soil microbial communities contribute to enhanced crop production. His studies took him all over the state of Alabama, with field experiments from the Gulf coast to the Tennessee Valley. He was also an outstanding teacher and mentor, enriching the education and training of many students during his tenure as a Professor. Ever the scientist, Art found ways to perform experiments, even in retirement. He transformed common household items into instruments to chart the angles of the sun. A passionate gardener, his home garden was home to over 60 rose bushes, numerous tropical plants, and a bounty of vegetables. Art was a devoted husband, father, and friend. It was during their time in Ithaca that their oldest son, William (Bill), was born. Later, in Auburn, they welcomed their son, Edward and then, daughter, Beth. Art treasured his family and gave us his unwavering love and support. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He was generous, honest, kind, steadfast, and humble. Art also had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He lived each and every day with absolute gratitude for all of his blessings. Even in times of hardship or adversity, he was always hopeful, and found a way to see the bright side. His life was deeply rooted in Christian faith. He was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, where he served on the session and as the treasurer for many years. He was an avid scholar of theology and often taught Sunday School. His optimistic perspective and open heart made him very approachable and inspirational. His was truly a life well lived. He will be greatly missed. Art was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marian Hiltbold, his parents Arthur E. Hiltbold, Sr, and Marjorie Waugh Hiltbold, and his older sister, Marjorie Ross. Art is survived by his younger sister Grace Stimson; his children, Bill (and wife Billye) Hiltbold, Edward Hiltbold, and Beth (and husband Dan) Schwartz, his grandchildren, Elise Hiltbold, Matthew (and wife Kelin) Hiltbold, Ethan (and wife Katie) Hiltbold, Brooke Hiltbold, Rachel Schwartz, Amy Schwartz, and great-grandchildren Ayden Hiltbold and Aubree Hiltbold, nieces, nephews and close friends. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, February, 16, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Auburn, on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverends Nick and Kathy Reed officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Arts memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 143 East Thach Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, February, 16, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.