Ramond Charles Hill

Mr. Ramond Charles Hill, although being born premature, very sickly and several times throughout his infancy and early life had to be resusciated, never gave up. Being a sickly child caused Mr. Ramond Charles Hill to miss a lot of his schooling. His late Grandmother, Mrs. Thelma (Richard) Harris Thomas, did her best taking care of him, reading the Holy Bible to him and he to her. The reading of the Holy Bible and hearing his Grandmother, Mrs. Thelma, pray and cry out to God as well as attending church helped Mr. Hill to accept Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior at the age of 9 years old. However, Mr. Hill, still being sickly and missing a lot of schooling, continued to struggle in school because he was missing school by the weeks and with no one to help him with those studies that he had missed.

Although Mr. Ramond Charles Hill would constantly pray to God for help like he had many a time heard his Grandmother, Mrs. Thelma Harris Thomas, he had sadness. He did not understand how he could excel in sports, mainly track and field (which earned him the childhood nickname "Jack Rabbit" because of the speed and agility the Lord God had given him), but could not excel in his studies. Yet he pushed on.

One day, his mother, Ms. Hester "Irene" Thomas Anderson, knowing the hard time her child was having with schooling, mentioned information she had learned. She asked her son, Ramond, if he would be interested in going to Job Corps where he could get a quality education with a Diploma and a Certified Trade Skill. Mr. Hill pursued the opportunity, which took him away from his home and family for the first time in his life. Mr. Ramond Charles Hill had success in his Job Corps training and returned to Delhi, Louisiana, to put that training to work. He was armed with a strong work ethic from his father, Mr. John Henry Hill, Sr., whom Ramond saw at times work three jobs to provide for his family. It wasn't long after a few assignments of employment which began in Sterlington, Louisiana, Mr. Hill, being without a vehicle, realized he needed to be in a larger city where jobs were much more prevalent and without the slight continued stigma of discrimination.

Mr. Ramond Charles Hill, still being a very young fellow, took a bus ride to Shreveport, Louisiana, without his Mother's knowledge. When he returned, Mr. Hill informed his Mother, Ms. Hester "Irene" Thomas Anderson, he was leaving for the United States Army in January of 1977. Her amazement can only be imagined. Thus began a Military Career which allowed Mr. Ramond Charles Hill to serve in the United States Army for twenty-three years. This afforded Mr. Ramond Charles Hill an Honorable Discharge and Military Retirement status.

During his military career, SSG Ramond Charles Hill served in: Seoul, Korea; Germany several times; Turkey; Colorado; California; Louisiana; Georgia; Wisconsin; Arkansas; and several Texas locations. He earned many notable awards, honors and achievements. SSG Hill served his country as an S4 Supply Technician Instructor and Drill Sergeant as well as in the Color Guard. In addition, he also earned his High School Diploma and completed college with an Associate's Degree while serving in the United States Army.

SSG Hill was so good at his MOS (Military Operations Specialties) while in the US Army that he went up for promotions many times. Every time he went for a promotion, he submitted paperwork to go before the Board to answer their questions. Once they would see him in person and he saluted them as required of an enlisted soldier, they would respond by saying, "Oh, I know exactly who you are. We don't need you to answer anything for us. You have already proven yourself well. Go on back down there and do your work. You are granted your promotions. We all know about your work and you deserve your promotion."

SSG Hill, just like in school, succeeded in sports while serving in the United States Army, most notably baseball and basketball. Although he suffered many back injuries during his military career, he always made PT (physical training) and was still outrunning young enlistees during PT at the age of 41. In doing this, he realized he just needed to coach them to succeed by challenging them.

The Military taught SSG Hill discipline, morals, values, respect, patience, endurance and patriotism. These qualities never left him.

Mr. Ramond Charles Hill was ordained to ministry and desired to do the work of an Evangelist. Minister Hill's ministries included: pastoral; radio serving; homeless (S.O.U.L); intercession; hospitality; outreach; counseling; and baptism. SSG Hill always knew God loved him and was on his side all throughout his life until he breathed his last quiet, peaceful breath -- just like the man he is.

After retirement from the Military, Mr. Hill relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he attended and participated in church at Abundant Life Evangelistic Center with Pastor Jason L. Johnson. While living in Biloxi, Mr. Ramond began to seek God for his own helpmeet that God had for him. God answered his prayers and cries when he married his wife, Sherba, who was also praying the same prayers for God to give her the husband who was missing her as his rib. They served together at Abundant Life Evangelistic Center and chose to be baptized together as they began their new journey in life. Each had already been baptized and was active in ministry unto the Lord in their own right. When Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi, they resettled in Mesquite, Texas, where they became active members and workers at the Family Cathedral of Praise with Pastor Harry Lee Sewell.

Mr. Ramond Charles Hill leaves many loved ones to cherish his memory, including his wife, Mrs. Sherba Ann Hill of Mesquite; son Schwuann U. Malone, Sr., of Little Rock, AR., ; daughter Chansian Y. Bankston of Dallas; daughter LaShamecia L. Thomas of Hot Springs, AR.; son Taurean D. Bankston of Houston; daughter Staciah M. (Nathaniel) Hamilton of Burleson, TX.; and son Jeremiah O. Hill of Monroe, LA.; parents Ms. Hester Thomas Anderson and Mr. John Henry Hill, Sr.; siblings Roger L. Thomas of Monroe, LA., Richard L. (Marlene) Thomas of Monroe, LA., Mrs. Doris A. (Shelly) McDowell of Delhi, LA., Mrs. Barbara A. (Jerry) Anderson of Monroe, LA., Levi Anderson, Jr., of Monroe, LA., Michael W. Hill of Monroe, LA., Mrs. Bennie M. (Charles) McMiller of Alpharetta, GA., Helena L. Hill of Baltimore, MD., Todd D. Hill of Stone Mountain, GA., Audrey R. Hill of Monroe, LA., and Kervin L. Hill of Stone Mountain, GA.; and grandchildren Quentin, Alexis, A'Shunte, Darquilla, Schwuann, Jr., Raynette, Ramire, RoMecia, RoNi'a, Rihanna, Charles, Elijah, Jonathan, Kriston, Kameon and Lucy; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.