W. Ray Hill

W. Ray Hill,age 81, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away on September 28, 2025 at his home. Ray was born in Warrior, Alabama. He became interested in the funeral business as a young man helping in a small funeral home in Warrior, and later received his Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses. He served the families of Ridout’s Brown Service over fifty years.

Ray loved gardening, shopping for flowers and shrubbery, and watching television for planting tips. He was an enthusiastic Alabama football fan, and loved to listen to his old favorites on his headphones in the garage.

Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Joan Hill, his sons Martin (Emily) and Kevin (Cherry) Hill, grandson William, and granddaughter Avery, his sister Janie Grant (Robert), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Martin Hill and Rachel Hays Hill, and his son Robert.

A visitation will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, located on 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071 on Thursday Oct. 2, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A committal service will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, located at 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, AL 35071 starting at 11:00 AM.