Ernest Hill Jr.

He was the second of five children, Johnny, Isaiah, Othelia “Cleo” and Ella who all preceded him in death. Ernest was born and raised in Lugoff, South Carolina. He was educated in the Kershaw County schools and was an excellent math student, who enjoyed baseball. Ernest joined High Hill Baptist church, accepted the Lord and was baptized at an early age.

Ernest Hill Jr. was a very hard worker. He worked on farms and in construction until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1942. During his time in the Army, he traveled various locations throughout the U.S. In 1943, Ernest was sent to Ft. Vancouver, Washington, where he met and married Estella Jones, on December 24, 1943, after a very short courtship. To that union was born two children, Ernest III and Barbara Jean.

After serving as a cook and baker in the army for six years, Ernest was honorably discharged with an American Theater Service medal, a Good Conduct medal and a Victory medal. Upon discharge from the army, Ernest went to work for the United States Railroad and later the Portland Terminal Railroad. In preparation to retire from the Railroad, Ernest joined Broadway Cab where he worked as a driver for thirty years. There was never a job beneath him, he was always willing to pick up a job to provide for his family.

Ernest was a faithful member of Vancouver Ave. First Baptist Church for fifty years, serving as a deacon and singing with the Male Chorus and the Mass Choir. He had a beautiful baritone voice. Ernest had a true heart of service, he took his responsibilities as a deacon very seriously.

He continued those services as a member of Maranatha Church, under the leadership of Rev. T. Allen Bethel where he remained a member under the leadership of Dr Codrigus R. Alexander (affectionately known as Pastor C.). Ernest visited and delivered communion to the sick and shut in until the global pandemic in 2020. He also continued to use his musical talents in the choir, Christmas programs and any opportunity to serve.

As a committed volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Ernest delivered food to the needy until he was 95 years old. Bowling was his passion. He was an avid bowler and was an active member of a bowling league until he was 98.

Ernest Hill Jr. was preceded in death by the love of his life, Estella Hill, after nearly 63 years of marriage, his daughter, Barbra Hill Leonard. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Ernest Hill III (Alice Whitney Hill predeceased), foster daughter Brenda Moon (Donald Moon predeceased), grandchildren; Duayne White, Serena Ashley (Andre), Derrick Moon (Anessa), Kimberly Jamison (Bubbie), Pauline Roberts, predeceased (Alescia Locke-Calvin and Stephen Locke III), Fifteen great grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.