Bob

Robert Elton Hill was born on May 13, 1942, to Eschol and Onie Strong Hill in Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis County, Georgia. He was the "knee-baby," or the second youngest of nine children. His family was close-knit, inseparable, and devoted to one another.

Affectionately called "Bob," by family and friends, at an early age, he joined the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Dr. J. M. Benton. He regularly attended Sunday school and Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.).

He was an outgoing, intelligent, mischievous youngster who relished the outdoors. Educated in the public schools of Jeff Davis County, Bob attended Saint Matthews School and later Hazlehurst High and Elementary School. Elected as senior class president by his peers, Bob graduated first in the Class of 1960.

Bob joined the United States Navy and served his country for the next 24 years. His ports of call included Parris Island, South Carolina; Cadiz, Spain; Norfolk, Virginia; Beaufort, South Carolina; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Meridian, Mississippi; Charleston, South Carolina; and Great Lakes, Illinois. While serving in the military he furthered his education by receiving an Associate's Degree from Tidewater Community College of Norfolk, Virginia and a Bachelor's Degree from Baptist College of Charleston, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1984 and decided to return to his native hometown.

While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he attended Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church where he met Mrs. Vera Patterson. Secretly acting as a matchmaker, Mrs. Patterson invited him to her home for dinner. There, he met and fell head over heels in love with Mrs. Patterson's daughter, Katherine Phyllis Powell. After a short courtship, they were married at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church on February 26, 1966. This union was blessed with three children: Glynis Marie, Robin Erika, and Robert Elton III "Bobby".

He was actively involved in the rearing of his children and was especially concerned that they were well-educated, courteous, respectful, and socially conscious. He ensured that the needs of his family were met and he went beyond their needs to fulfill the desires of their hearts. After retiring from the United States Navy, Bob was gainfully employed by Amoco Fabrics, Hazlehurst Mills (now Propex Industries), as a purchasing agent, monitoring inventory and carrying out market research. He retired from Amoco Fabrics in 2003.

Bob was a faithful member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and director of the Vacation Bible School. He read and studied the Bible religiously and was often called upon to lead Bible Study and prayer meeting.

Being civic minded, Bob was a member of the Hazlehurst Chapter of the NAACP, and he was elected as its president. He attended local board meetings and never hesitated to give elected officials the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge. He was a co-founder of FoodShare at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. When FoodShare was reactivated at Antioch C.M.E. Church, he was a reliable assistant and loyal supporter.

During his leisure hours, Bob was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic fisherman. He served as treasurer of the Hill Family Reunion for over two decades and as administrator of the Hill Memorial Garden. He was an ardent, gifted baker who was known for his delectable dinner rolls and his extensive Christmas cookies. He delighted in sharing these treats and would visit family and friends to "drop off" these delicacies. His culinary artistry didn't end there; his cherry cheesecake, red velvet cake, cream cheese pound cake, and breakfast casserole were legendary. He could be found in his den watching CNN, black and white westerns, and sports on television.

Bob was a witty conversationalist and had the gift of mimicry. He could have his listeners rolling in the aisles as he imitated celebrities, politicians, relatives, and friends. Having an excellent memory, he loved to recount the history of Jeff Davis County, in particular the pre-integration era. One of Bob's greatest joys was fulfilling the father-figure role for his nieces and nephews, and extended family; he relished it. Bob received his greatest and grandest title when his children gave him grandchildren. To be called "Papa" was his highest honor.

Surrounded by his loving family, Bob gained his wings on January 23, 2023 while at home under hospice care. He was preceded in death by his parents: Eschol Hill and Onie Strong Hill; his brothers: Lafayette Hill and James Eschol Hill; his sisters: Wilhelmina Hill Parrish, Amenzerolee "Pennye" Hill Thomas, Carolyn Hill Mitchell, and Mildred Hill Wilcox; his parents-in-law: Clarence Patterson and Vera Powell Patterson; his sisters-in-law: Rose Powell Johnson and Fera Kornegay Hill; his brothers-in-law: Ivy Jimmie Thomas and Henry Kenzo Mitchell.

Bob leaves to treasure his memories and carry out his legacy his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Hill of Hazlehurst, GA; his two daughters and their husbands: Glynis and James Morrison of Summerville, SC; Robin and Garrick Burton of Valdosta, GA; his son, Robert Elton "Bobby" Hill II of Federal Way, WA; his grandchildren: Jayden Robert Morrison of Summerville, SC, Logan James Morrison of Augusta, GA, and McKenna Felice Morrison of Summerville, SC; Rae'gan Genise Burton of Richmond, VA and Rhalyn Phylea Burton of Valdosta, GA; Robert Elton "Trey" Hill III, Payton Alexandra Hill, and Elliana Jean Hill, all of Federal Way, WA; two bonus grandchildren: Rodney Oldham and Tristen Steward; one goddaughter, Chelsea Mitchell of Dallas, Texas; two brothers: John Edward (Mary) Hill of Atlanta, GA, and Dr. Glenwood F. (Betty) Hill of Fort Valley, GA; one sister-in-law, Helen Hill of Hazlehurst, GA; one brother-in-law, Charles Wilcox of Hazlehurst, GA; and a host of grieving nieces and nephews, bereaved cousins, and mourning neighbors and special friends. "The LORD is my Shepherd: I shall not want." Psalm 23:1