Roland Hill

Faithful servant, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, beloved minister

September 4, 1933 – July 27, 2025

Roland Hill of Pasadena, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 27, 2025, passing peacefully at a local hospital. A devoted Christ-follower, Roland is now walking the streets of heaven, reunited with loved ones and embraced by the Savior he served so faithfully.

A native of Waco, Texas, Roland was a proud graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His life was marked by unwavering devotion to the gospel and a deep commitment to ministry. For 31 years, he served faithfully as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Pasadena, where he led with wisdom, offered counsel with compassion, and loved his church family wholeheartedly. Before joining FBC Pasadena, Roland pastored and ministered in five other churches across Texas, leaving behind a lasting legacy of Christ-centered leadership and service in every community he touched.

Beyond the church, Roland extended his ministry to the broader Pasadena community, serving for over 35 years as a volunteer chaplain with the Pasadena Police Department. His presence brought peace and pastoral care to officers, families, and community members during their most difficult moments. He also performed countless weddings and funerals throughout the Southeast Houston area, always being sure to point individuals to the reason for our hope in Jesus.

Roland was deeply devoted to his family, cherishing each relationship with unwavering love. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 64 years, Mary Anne Hill; his daughters, Kelle Surber (Jerry) and Kerri Gatlin (Bobby); and his treasured grandchildren, Jerry Surber III, Auston Surber, John Surber, Ashley Surber, Taylor Gatlin, Will Gatlin, and great grandchild, Jerry Surber IV. He is also survived by his siblings Weldon Hill, Raymond Hill (Joyce), and Edith Kral. Roland was preceded in death by his dearly loved son, Ronnie Hill, whose memory he held close to his heart throughout his life.

Roland’s life was a powerful testimony to the hope of the gospel and the strength of a life rooted in Christ. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend, his voice may now be silent, but the legacy of his faith continues to echo through his family, his church, and the countless lives he touched.

His life was marked by unwavering faith, gentle wisdom, a servant’s heart, and a deep love for God’s Word. Those who knew Roland were impacted by his humility, warmth, and pastoral care. Whether teaching the Bible, praying with a grieving family, or comforting a police officer on duty, Roland consistently modeled the love of Christ in both word and deed.

Roland’s life was anchored in faith, shaped by community, and defined by service. We grieve his passing with hope, trusting he has been welcomed into the presence of the Lord with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

His memory lives on in his loving wife Mary Anne, his children and grandchildren, and all who were blessed by his life and ministry.

Funeral Arrangements

Location:

First Baptist Church of Pasadena Chapel

Visitation: 10:00 AM

Service: 11:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, family members request donations be made to the First Baptist Pasadena “Beyond These Walls” fund that goes toward specific missions efforts, adding the note “Roland.”