Robert Lenoir Hill

Robert Lenoir Hill went home to be with the Lord on July 26, 2025, after a brief struggle with medical issues. Bob lived a life defined by faith and selfless service, consistently putting others first. His profound impact reached far beyond his immediate family, touching many through his gentle nature as a friend, his warmth as a neighbor, and his unwavering role as a father and provider.

Born and raised in Blairsville, Union County, GA, Bob's leadership and talents shone brightly at Union County High School, from which he graduated in 1953. He was not only senior class president, voted most popular, and named the Kiwanis Most Outstanding Student, but also served as salutatorian. A gifted athlete, he earned letters in basketball, baseball, and track. One of his proudest achievements was becoming an Eagle Scout. After attending Young Harris College for a year and a quarter, Bob answered the call to serve his country.

Bob's military journey began in the Air Force Aviation Cadet program, where he earned his wings as a bomber navigator. Stationed in Fort Worth, TX, he achieved a rare three-tier rating for the immense ten-engine B-36, qualifying as a navigator, bombardier, and certified aircraft performance engineer. His Eagle Scout training proved invaluable during survival exercises. He flew missions across the globe, including a critical 'point-of-no-return' incident during the Cold War, before retiring as a full Captain.

It was during his final weeks in the Air Force, stationed in Texas, that Bob met the captivating Kathy at an American Airlines/US Air Force gathering. Her charm immediately drew him in, and from that moment, he had eyes only for her. They married in Nashville on August 31, 1959, and Kathy became his steadfast partner and supporter as he pursued his educational and career aspirations. After his service, Bob declined a prestigious fellowship at Cornell to attend the University of Georgia, earning his Master's in Animal Nutrition in 1962.

After establishing their first home in Athens, GA, he and Kathy moved to Knoxville, TN, where he began his career as the head feed nutritionist at Security Mills from 1962 to 1972. During this time, he was also an active member of the Rotary Club. Following the sale of Security Mills, he founded Music City Supplement Company in Nashville, a specialized pre-mix company that blended vitamins, minerals, and antibiotics for the feed industry. His expertise was recognized nationally, leading to his involvement in several prominent feed organizations, including a board position on The Nutrition Council of the American Feed Association. After selling his firm, he dedicated his time to his passions for hunting, fishing, and woodworking.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate of over 65 years, Kathy. He is survived by his devoted daughters, #1 - Sally Hudgins (Vance), #2 - Margaret Echols (Ted), #3 - Ellen Costello (David), and #4 - Jennifer Hill. He also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Tyler (Jade) and Henley Hudgins; Edie and Tom Echols; Kate, Trip (Victoria), and Jean Costello; and Libby and Margaret Pooler. He was a proud great-grandfather to Emmy and Hayes Hudgins. Bob is also survived by his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty and Nick Kirincich, and Leon Carter, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. His grandsons, Tyler Hudgins, Trip Costello, and Tom Echols, along with his great-grandson Hayes Hudgins, and nephews Cameron Hill, Trey Dickson, and Cooper Hill, will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Bob and Kathy were dedicated members of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ for decades, raising their daughters within its community and forging lifelong friendships. Friends are invited to gather with the family for visitation at 10:00 AM on August 2, 2025, in the Community Room at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Nashville, TN. A Celebration of Life will begin afterwards at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of sending flowers and to honor his memory, please consider making a donation to the Visiting Angels Foundation at https://visitingangelsfoundation.org/donate/.