Major Aulbry C. Hitchings, age 84, of McKinney, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2004, in Bonham, Texas. He was born on February 17, 1920, in Norfolk, Virginia to Harry and Louise (Thomas) Hitchings. He married Betty Kuhne Sawyer on April 1, 1995, in McKinney, Texas. He was of the Baptist faith. Major Hitchings retired from the U.S. Army and was a veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. While serving in Korea with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, Major Hitchings was awarded the Purple Heart for combat wounds and the Silver Star for heroism. He enlisted in the National Guard before WWII and was called to active duty with the 29th Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in Europe. His many campaigns included Normandy and the race across France; the assault on the fortress city of Metz in France; Germany with the occupation forces; and Iceland. He was also awarded the 32nd Mason, Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Badge. He is survived by his wife, Betty Hitchings of McKinney; son Robert D. Hitchings of Seattle, Washington and his wife Debbie; step-daughters Cheryl Barrett of McKinney, Texas and Terri Lewis of Lewisville, Texas; brothers Thomas Hitchings of Chesapeake, Virginia and Merritt Hitchings of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sisters Betty Bowen of Chesapeake, Virginia and Ann Speech of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and step-granddaughter Tracy Barrett of Canberra, Australia. Memorial services for Major Hitchings will be held at the Kellum Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Directors.