Willie Henry Hill was born on November 10, 1950, in Luthersville, Georgia, in Meriwether County, and passed away in Houston, Texas, on July 25, 2026, at the age of 75.
After his early years, he attended Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he played football and ran track. He continued his track and field career at Ohio Wesleyan University where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in Economics. During his time in college, he met and fell in love with Sandra Lyons, and they married in 1970. Willie became an entrepreneur and operated a business called Stout Hill Construction before beginning an illustrious career as a sales representative for GTE Corporation in 1977. He quickly rose as a shining star at GTE and was even featured in a TV commercial for the company. In 1984, he moved his family from Ohio to Houston, Texas to continue building his career there.
Willie took great joy in the simple pleasures of life like bowling, ping-pong, and scratch-off lottery tickets. And whenever he was together with family, a spirited game of Bid Whist, their favorite card game, always made a special time even more memorable.
Willie loved spending time with his family. He had a way of being present with each of them in a meaningful, personal way. There was something special in the bond he shared, different with each person, but consistent in how it made them feel seen, cared for, and understood. He cherished his family above all else, and that love showed up in everyday moments, and in the relationships that stayed strong over time.
Willie Henry Hill is survived by his children: Regina Hill (and her daughter, Jasmyn Sowell); Milana Hill (and her son, Devonte Hill, and daughter Zakiyyah Joyner), Karim Hill (and his wife, Vona Hill, along with their sons Salim Hill, Nasir Hill, and Qais Hill); and Sabreen Hill (and her wife, Kayla Hill, along with their sons Markell King an Kaizen Hill). He is also survived by his ex-wife, Sandra Hill (née Lyons), who remained a beloved and active presence in his life, as well as by his siblings Mildred Hill, Richard Hill (and wife Virginia), Shirley Thomas (née Hill), and Brenda Hill. He was preceded in death by his son Anthony Hill, his mother, Bessie Mae Hill (née Johnson), and his father, Willie Andrew Hill.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Garden Oaks Funeral Home, Thelma Boykin Chapel, 13430 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77083. A private family luncheon will immediately follow the memorial service.
