Rowland "Putt" P. Hill

A good man, Rowland Putnam (Putt) Hill, 85, died peacefully at home on February 15, 2011 after a 30-plus year courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Putt lived an adventurous, full life – worked as hard as he played. Frugal, efficient, and honorable in all his dealings, Putt was quietly benevolent, known as a man of few words, but when he spoke, he nailed it with wit and wisdom.

Descendent of a Colorado pioneer family, Putt was born April 23, 1925, in Kansas City, MO, grew up in Colorado, joined the Navy as a teen in WWII, graduated Denver University in 2 years with honors. Stationed in Corpus Christi, he met Lucy Lewright whom he married on December 30, 1948. Putt flew the Pacific Trust Territories, participated in the Korean Inchon invasion, then flew for CINCPACFLT.

In ‘52 Putt began work in Corpus Christi as accountant and pilot for an oil and gas company, then oversaw a large oilfield trucking company, planned, developed and managed two industrial parks and barge terminals, flew his twin engine Beechcraft, and later operated as developer, real estate broker, and appraiser.

A faithful member of Church of the Good Shepherd, Putt served as vestry member, youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and willing worker. He was a member of Corpus Christi Rotary Club, Buccaneer Commission, Navy League, Airport Advisory Board, and Beachcombers. Putt loved his sports.

Preceded in death by his father the Rev. Rowland Hill and mother Edith Clayton Hill, brothers John Clayton Hill, James Wilcott Hill and sister Alice Hill, Putt is survived by his wife of 62 years Lucy, children John Hill and wife Trina, Claire Hill, James Putnam Hill and wife Gale, Alice Lewright Hill, grandchildren Steve Agan and wife Michelle, Lori Agan and fiancé Adin, Melissa Hill, Katherine Reischl and husband Jon, Travis Hill, and Julia Hill, great grandchildren Olivia and Maggie Agan Bedard and niece Jane Hill.

Memorial service will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd February 21, 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, Corpus Christi; Parkinson’s Disease Fdn; or Church of the Good Shepherd.