Ralph Elwyn Hill, Jr.

Ralph Elwyn Hill, Jr., whom everyone called “Skip”, was born on November 2, 1945 in Columbia, SC, the firstborn of six children of Ralph and Lily Hill. His father, Ralph, was from Worcester, MA and met Lily in Columbia during WWII when he was stationed at Fort Jackson. They met at the USO that was right across the street from Arsenal Hill Church. Skip was the apple of his grandmother’s eye, and family believe it was she who gave him the nickname “Skip”. He and his siblings grew up on Colonial Drive in Columbia and attended Arden (Skip first went to Heyward Gibbs) Fairfield Jr. High (Alcorn) and Eau Claire High. The lively Hill yard was quite the gathering place for the neighborhood kids.

Skip’s musical talent was apparent at a young age, and he was soon in possession of many guitars, a trumpet, a trombone, a flute, and a 6’ tall string bass fiddle, upon which he spent many hours perfecting his skills. He was so interested in all of these instruments that he was mostly self-taught. After high school he took music courses at the University of SC, and took great pride in the ’A’ he received from a very strict flute professor. He had already begun taking voice lessons in high school with his younger sister from a very distinguished vocal pedagogue and opera coach, Edward Gavin. Music was the great love of his life. He excelled in band at Eau Claire, and was the premier tenor in chorus and many church choirs through the years. With his light tenor voice, he could float a high C with the greatest of ease (to the sweet envy of his brothers and sisters).

Music was not his only talent and joy. His artwork at Eau Claire was applauded by the faculty, and one of his paintings received a special award. He also possessed an amazing green thumb. He could make anything grow, and his mom’s living room looked like a green house.

Skip went on through life playing guitar with many bands, performing a great deal in Columbia and other areas of the Southeast. He owned a guitar shop on St. Andrews Road during the 80s where he not only sold guitars and other instruments, but also taught lessons as well. He seemed to be well remembered for just a few months ago, out of the blue, a Facebook post appeared from someone from way back, wondering if Skip and his guitar shop were still around!

Skip was a kind, caring and compassionate person. He worked for several years at the SC State Hospital as a nurse’s aide, and he spent many years as the primary caregiver for a friend who was a paraplegic. In his mom’s later years of her life, he was there caring for her along with his other siblings.

After Skip’s mom passed away, he moved to an apartment near Arsenal Hill Church, and became a regular attendee and very active in the music program there. His final years at Arsenal Hill meant a great deal to him.

Skip was blessed throughout all his adult life to have as his life partner, friend, and soul mate, Cheryl Vaughn of Columbia. They became friends many years ago in their twenties and their devotion to each other has never ceased.

After a two-year battle with COPD, Skip passed away peacefully on March 19. He is survived by his siblings, James (Vivian), Nancy Elton (John), John Hill, Betty Stalnaker (Tommy), Walter (Tess); 11 nieces and nephews; 23 great nieces and nephews and several great great nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins.

The Memorial Service will be held on April 22 at 2:00 pm at Arsenal Hill Presbyterian Church. Family will receive guests beginning at 1:15 pm. There will be a reception afterwards in the Fellowship Hall at the church.

Memorials may be made to Arsenal Hill Presbyterian Church, 1103 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmwoodfhcolumbia.com for the Hill family.