ARNOLD THOMAS HILL SR, 83, of Houston, AR went to be with Jesus Tuesday, March 5, 2019. He was born on July 11, 1935 in Houston, AR to Earnest Hill and Odar Lawson Hill. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Alvin, Leonard, Frankie, and Joe; sisters Inez Kyzer, Iva Mae Edmondson, Ruby Woolf, and Ruth Steele. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barbara Lively Hill; sons Arnold (Andy) Thomas Hill Jr (Donna) and Louis Edward (Ed) Hill (Beth); sister Mary Ellen Lamb; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, a loving church family, and a host of lifelong friends.
Arnold served in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a Senior Specialist with IBM after 32 years of service. He was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, where he was a member of the Senior Men’s Adult Sunday School Class, and lovingly gave his time and talent to build numerous Vacation Bible School stage props. After living in Little Rock for 60 years, he and Barbara recently moved home to Houston, AR full-time and began attending Perryville First Baptist Church, enjoying participating in their first co-ed Sunday School class. He enjoyed engaging others in conversation and story-telling was a special talent. He and his sons enjoyed refurbishing vintage windmills together; their home is now known as the “windmill farm”.
He was instrumental in founding the Arch Street Volunteer Fire Department and served many years in various capacities. He volunteered on the May Cemetery Board. He also enjoyed his role as Scout Master for BSA Troop 501.
He was loyal and devoted to his family and loved life. He did not dread death.
We will all miss his ready smile and optimistic outlook. One of his favorite sayings, regardless of the day, was “This is the best day of my life!”
Visitation will be Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Conway Funeral Home. Service to be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock. Graveside service will follow immediately at May Cemetery in Houston, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the May Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 221, Houston, AR 72070.
