John "Howard" Hill

John Howard Hill of LaGrange, GA passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, in Newnan, GA, at the age of 78. Howard was born in Savannah, GA, on February 26, 1947, to First Lieutenant Clemence Harding Hill and Faye Elizabeth Anderson Hill, and spent most of his young life in Pembroke, GA. He attended Bryan County High School in Pembroke, graduating with honors, attended Valdosta State College, and graduated from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA, with an undergraduate degree in Political Science. In June 1970, he married Margaret Jean (Peggy) Pollak, of Pittsburgh, PA.

Howard went on to have a distinguished career in public health that spanned 33 years, 31 of which were at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He joined the CDC as a Public Health Advisor in 1972 and then spent 14 years fighting STDs in California, South Carolina, Florida, and Michigan. In 1987, he joined the Division of Chronic Disease Control as the Deputy Chief of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch and later devoted over 10 years of his career to helping develop the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control as Director of the Office of Research Grants. His support of biomechanics research earned him the Socius Collegii award from Wayne State University in 2000. He retired from the CDC in 2003.

Howard loved playing golf, spending time at the beach, traveling with his wife and family, attending and serving at church, tinkering in his workshop, and watching sports. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clemence, and his mother, Faye. He is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Margaret Jean (Peggy) Hill; his children, Heidi Hill (Matt Crenshaw) and Jonathan Hill (Laura Leidel); his grandchildren, Claudia Jean (CJ) Crenshaw and Peter Crenshaw; his brothers, Joseph Hill (Ann) and James Gregory Hill (Debbie); and extended family, both by birth and by marriage.

The visitation and service will take place on Saturday, September 6, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in LaGrange, GA. The visitation will begin at noon, followed by the funeral mass at 1:00 pm and a Mercy Dinner at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make gifts of remembrance to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, LaGrange, GA; St. Vincent de Paul at St. Peter’s; or to a charitable organization of your choice.

All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.