Wilford Vandus “Buddy” Hill, Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of St. Bernard, LA and resident of Violet for 60 years. Beloved husband of the late Juanita Soniat duFossat Hill. Son of the late Wilford Vandus Hill, Sr. and Mildred Blohm Hill. Father of Roxanne Hill Johnson (Danny) and the late Garnet Hill Labatut (Richard). Grandfather of Aaron Johnson (Regina), Danielle Johnson Lunday (Micah Adam) and Nicholas Johnson (fiancé Rita Gregg). Great Grandfather and “Buddy” to Keegan, Zoe and Rainey Johnson and Eli and Caleb Lunday. Brother of the late Joycelyn Salande, Arden Hill, Sr., Marvel Roques, Elaine McCloud and Titus Hill. Also, survived by his youngest sister Velda Sylvia (Nicky) and many nieces and nephews.
He proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corp and lived by the motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” from 1953 - 1956. He was also a long time member of the Deutsche’s Haus where he worked many Oktoberfest enjoying a nice cold beer with fellow members and listening to the German music. Buddy served as a range officer at the Honey Island Shooting Range for many years. Once he retired he began volunteering his time at the St. Bernard Animal Shelter and if he could have he would have taken all of the dogs home with him. He also cherished the time he spent in his boat with his grandsons teaching them how to fish on the lakes and bayous. He was also a former employee of ODECO and Avondale Shipyard where he was a draftsman designing ships.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Dabdoub and staff and also his home health care nurse Angie and physical therapist Angie for all of their help these last several months. The love and compassion they had for him was unforgettable. He will be forever remembered as a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, who loved his country and treasured his family.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at Juvenile Diabetes Association at www.jdrf.org or 800-533-2873, can be made in his daughter Garnet Hill Labatut’s name or the St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter 5455 E. Judge Perez Dr. Violet, LA 70092 (504) 278-1534 in his name.
Pastor Clarence Perret officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Monday, May 10th from 11:00AM – 1:00PM, followed by a funeral service in Buddy’s memory beginning at 1:00PM. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.
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