Hill Jr., Owen Hollis “Sam,” 84 died Wednesday, March 26th, at Avante Nursing Center after a prolonged struggle with pulmonary artery disease. Sam was a long time resident of Jacksonville, Florida and spent the last 40 years in Jacksonville Beach.
The son of a Navy Officer, Sam was born on January 10th, 1930 in Los Angeles, California. He was one of three children born to Owen Hollis Hill Sr. and Rebecca Burgess Hill.
Sam began his adult life as a student at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His professional life centered on travel where he began his career as Marketing Manager for National Airlines and later Marketing Director for Pan American World Airways. Following retirement from Pan Am, Sam began the second half of his career as the Owner of Allways Open Travel.
Sam was active in numerous organizations throughout his lifetime, where he served on the Board of Directors for Barnett Bank and held various positions for organizations such as the Jacksonville Commodore’s League, Toastmasters and Rotary Club of Jacksonville.
Influenced by his family’s ties to the Navy and a passion for being outdoors, Sam’s hobbies were always associated with being out on the water. Whether it was on his ancient Chinese sailing vessel, probably the only one to sail the St. John’s River, or his most recent sailboat, the Salmar, Sam enjoyed working on his boats as much as he did sailing them.
Sam is survived by his two daughters, Mary Hill and Sarah Gerber, and his former wife Sarah R.Hill. Sam was predeceased by his second wife, Linda M. Hill.
Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, March 28th, at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church or a charity of choice.
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