As we were of the few helicopter pilots at Fedex and knowing him by working out with him at the Germantown Center........ I have lost a great friend.   Heaven is lucky to recieve such a wonderful person.

Dear Travis,Stacey, Sarah and Cameron

Richard was my first cousin, his father and my mother were brother and sister.
We were very close as children, our mutual families had a very large and very successful fish and chip shop which was open late at weekends, and often both Richard and I would stay with our grandparents. Other times, when my parents and Uncle Reg were working, I used to stay with Aunty Agnes. You wouldn't have known her I'm sure, she died tragically young, but she was adorable, tall and elegant, stylish and huge fun. 
Later, when both Richard and I were in our 20s and 30s, Richard was stationed at Culdrose here in Cornwall where I still live. He took me to a couple of functions at the Officers Mess, and of course we both attended our Grandfather's funeral.
Since Richard's marriage and move to America, I only heard of him through Uncle Reg, who I was very close to and we spoke often on the phone.
Richard last contacted me several years ago to tell me that sadly, he had had to put Uncle Reg in to a home, and was selling his house to fund this.
From that day on, I never heard from either of them again. My Christmas card to Uncle Reg was returned not forwarded, and the phone line was cut off.
For years I have tried on line to "find" Richard, but I knew only that he was a pilot with Fedex, and not even which state he was in. Hill is not an uncommon name, and the USA a big place.
So you can imagine the shock when I did a search yesterday, and found his obituary!
I am so so sorry for you four, you were his life, and now his beloved grandchildren must grow up with out him.
Be comforted by your memories, and if you ever wish to contact me for any reason, my email address is
dianadudden@hotmail.co.uk

Like many others I met Richard at the Germantown Athletic Club.  We discussed politics,history and of course family. He was the quintessential British gentleman, and clearly respected by everyone who knew him. I recall that he became a US citizen on July 4th a few years back. He told me that he actually felt different awakening the following day as a new addition to the Ameican family. Our nation and community were fortunate to count him as one of our own. He adored his children and grandchildren. In my every interaction with Richard he personified dignity and grace. Peace unto you, Mr. Richard Hill.

Richard was my cousin. His mother and mine were two, of five, Northern Irish sisters brought up in Belfast. Though he was born and raised in England he was proud of his Irish roots and visited Northern Ireland frequently with his parents, staying with us in Belfast. At one point the family thought seriously of moving to Ireland but the business opportunities they sought were not available then. I would have loved to have his company as a close longstanding friend. As a student, ten years his senior, I stayed with him and his mum and dad in Staffordshire while working on a summer job. We played together like brothers and did a lot of fishing. I have great memories of that time when the humour and wit flowed freely and the love within the family was palpable. Those who knew Richard will know how much of that upbringing he inherited and bestowed on his own family. Fate took us in different directions and regrettably our subsequent meetings were very few. The last time we met was in Cornwall, where he was based while in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, when he and Margaret started their family and I had also been newly married. He greeted me with the same broad smile that I always remembered on his childhood face. News in the intervening years was mostly conveyed through our respective parents. His, Reg and Agnes, were so proud of him, their only child. I have photographs which testify to his good looks and athletic build - it will go without saying, to those who knew him, that he was an enviably attractive guy â€“ but these pictures also convey his spirit of warmth and joie de vivre, which make me smile, and also regret that he is not around now to allow us to catch up on more memories - and the wisdom of life's lessons.
Brian Audley.
Belfast.

I recieved the news of Rich's passing today form an old friend.  I'm heart broken for the family.  Rich was such a special man.  After my daughter Wesley was killed, he showed me such compassion and kindness.  Wes knew your dad from track.  

It was an honor to have known your Dad; he was a treasure of a man.  God Bless you all.

Please accept my heart felt condolences~Remebering you all in my prayers~

Della Adams

What a hard loss!  
   Richard, our dear brother-in-law, we miss you already!  We are so grateful to Margaret for bringing you into our family.  We always loved your gentlemanly demeanor, honor, easy humor and intense love of fammily.  The 4 generations of our family who knew you will continue to be inspired by your good example of these traits. Until we all meet again, we send you our blessings and thanks for all you have been.  
Warren & Ann Nogaki

So sorry to hear of the loss of such a fine gentleman.  I had the pleasure of flying with him often during my early days at FedEx and I will always remember his pleasant demeanor and professional attitude.  My sincerest condolences to his family.  May his memory be eternal.

Margaret, Travis, Stacey, Sarah, and Cameron – I am very sorry for your loss.  Richard has been a wonderful friend for many of us at the Germantown gym.  He was always a welcoming sight.  Many times he would be there for 1 hour and had only worked out on 2 machines because he had been talking to us.  Whenever he spoke of his grandkids there would be a twinkle in his eye.  I could tell that he absolutely adored them.  Thanks for sharing some wonderful pictures of your family.  I shall miss him.  I pray that the Lord will comfort your hearts as only He can.

To Margaret and her family,

Richard was such a wonderful man. He loved his family so much and it showed. How lucky for him to have all of you around him at his passing. He will be missed by all that knew him. God bless each and every one of you . My prayers are with you.  Kay

Please know that you are in our prayers and that Mr. Hill's smiling face and sweet demeanor will truly be missed by all in our office.  We hope that the sweet memories will help to carry you through this time.
Dr. Fahhoum and Staff

Dear Hill Family.  I was so sorry to find out this morning of your loss. All I can think at this moment is Richard is in a better place even though you will miss him always.  Foxy Walker

Thought and prayers go out to you and have a safe journey. Bless you and your family. God Bless the Hills!

To all of Richards children and granchildren, I had the privledge to get to know Richard at the Germantown Athletic Club.  I also lived at the apartments where he last stayed.  I recently had my first child and we shared lots of stories of our families.  He was an incredible person and I loved his stories.  He touched my life with kindness and warmth.  He will be truly missed.

To my very special 'other' children & friend, I pray for your inner peace and wish you only happy memories to fill your hearts and minds.  To my old neighbor and friend, Richard, I wish you peace in your rest (& if you happen to see my dad please say 'hi' for me).  You are loved by many!  xx

ATC: "Sorry for the delay! Field preparations are now complete. You're cleared to leave the holding pattern. Weather is CAVU. Cleared to land. You'll me met by a 'Follow-Me' truck for final parking assignment."

Enjoy your new domicile! Congratulations on completing a great trip! You were a fine example of outstanding airmanship, old boy!

Those of us who were blessed to know you will never forget your quick, genuine smile and sparkling personality.

Thoughts & prayers to all of you.  

Always remember that he is still with you.....just look around at each other and you will find him.

Richard will be sorely missed by me and all his friends at the Germantown Athletic Centre. I admired his zest for life and positive attitude. We shared so many fun avaition stories over the years, I am only coming to grips that he has taken his final flight home. God Bless...

Cameron you and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please know you have the love and suppoet of my family

Hill Family-
Prayers for you all. What an outstanding man that has the most outstanding children. Love you all!

Richard was one of the nicest and affable people I had the pleasure to have known for over 14 years.He epitomized class,dignity, and was a consumate family man.I know we will all miss him terribly and my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family.

Meg and family-
Our hearts go out to y'all now and every moment for the loss of your beloved friend, and father. Please keep in your hearts every smile, laugh, hug and memory he left with y'all - a life time full of loving.

Never enough time.
Deepest condolences to all.

Cameron, Your whole Indiana extended family has you in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.  Our hearts are heavy being so far.  Please know we are sending you our love and support.

Cameron an Travis, I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. He was a great guy to be around. You all are in my prays.

                          Brian Smith

Good friend, outstanding aviator and gentleman. We miss you Rich

Michelle and Travis: Our hearts are with you.  Richard was a special person.  His english wit always made me smile.  I know that Katie will miss her Grandpa.

Richard - We'll always remember your beautiful smile, your kind demeanor, and your "British" gentlemanly ways!   The blessings you bestowed upon others will endure throughout the future.

So very sorry for you loss.  Richard was a wonderful man and was a joy to know. Praying for you all.

Cameron, you and your family are in our prayers.

May Our Heavenly Father bless you and your family during this difficult time. Take care and know you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Hugs to all.
M.Grove, Mphs,TN

To Michelle and Travis and families,

God blessings to you and yours.  May you remember your Dad with happy times.  You'll always miss him.

Love,  Sandy Collignon

I will love you always Dad. I'll miss you everyday.

Sarah,  we are so sorry to hear the news about your daddy ! This candle was lite for you and your family. Know that he will continue to be the light in your life and your angel that will watch over you. He is in the arms of Jesus, how great that must be. We love you and are here for you

Stained glass windows and empty walk ways
A bright lit sun in a sky filled with gray
Human kindness is overflowing
And I know that we will cry today.

People dressed in nice styles
Frozen smiles to chase death away
Human kindness is overflowing
And I know that we might cry today.

Bright before me the signs of glory
Come St. Peter and show him the way
Human kindness is overflowing
And I know that we will smile today.

I love you Dad!

OBITUARY

Richard Hill

October 2, 1951 – January 11, 2012

Memphis Funeral Home

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