John E. Hill

John E. Hill, Sr. On July 21, 2004, John E. Hill, Sr. was taken home to be with his Lord after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was a kind and gentle man who served his Lord faithfully. During his last days he was surrounded by family and friends. John was born in Livingston, Texas on September 14, 1924 to Samuel Francis and Patty Jones Hill. He was an exemplary Boy Scout, attaining both Eagle Scout rank as well as the God and Country award. After graduating from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas in 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy serving his country until the American victory in World War II. During the Korean War, John served aboard the U.S.S. Pine Island. While on active duty, he also met and married the love of his life, Betty Roberts. Following his return to the United States, he graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. in History and later, a Masters degree in Education. He began his professional career in the school districts of Wharton, Hempstead, and Bay City, Texas. At various times, John worked as a classroom teacher, basketball coach, and principal. In 1966 he moved to Austin where he began duties with the Texas State Teachers Association as a field representative and eventually, Director of Membership until he retired in 1980. After a year, he joined the Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped, securing jobs for people with disabilities. During his years with T.S.T.A. and T.I.B.H. he was a well respected lobbyist. Later he became a volunteer lobbyist with the American Association of Retired Persons. In 2001 and 2002 he was the leader of the A.A.R.P. Community Council, Advocacy Volunteers and a member of the State Legislative Committee. John’s first true calling was serving the Lord. He served as a greeter, a deacon, and a member of the Sanctuary Choir at Hyde Park Baptist Church for over 30 years. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church at the time of his death where he sang in the senior adult choir. He also led the singing in the senior adult Sunday School Department. Although raised in the city, John loved the country. Betty and John enjoyed time together during their retirement years at their farm in Lee County where they raised cattle, enjoyed the beautiful land, and shared many wonderful memories with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Betty; children Nancy Cavendish and husband Bob of Buda, Texas; Patricia Hindes and husband Jim of Pleasanton, Texas; John Hill, Jr. and Cynthia Hill of Austin, Texas; and Betty Jean Ryden and Ben Laney of Austin, Texas. His grandchildren are John Mark, Andrew, and William Cavendish; Daniel, Amy, Carter, and Amanda Hindes; Terence Hill, Jacob Hill, Elaina Lopez and husband Oscar; and, Matthew and Christopher Ryden. His great grandchildren are Oscar, Jr. and Danyelle Lopez. He is also survived by a brother, Wilson Hill and his wife, Ruby, of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law Dorothy Hill of Anahuac, Texas; brother-in-law Douglas Roberts of Orlando, Florida; former son-in-law Steve Ryden; a wonderful family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children, and a host of many great friends. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Bus Fund, Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3838 Steck Avenue, Austin, Texas 78759, (512) 345-3771 or the charity of choice. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Saturday, July 24, 2004 at the Weed Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 25, 2004, at Hillcrest Baptist Church and burial will follow at Capital Memorial Park in Pflugerville. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 – (512) 452-8811 You may view memorials online at wcfish.com