Louis James Hill was born July 23, 1928, in Sulphur Springs, Florida, to the late Cooper and Emma Hill. Louis left home at an early age and joined the United States Army in Sulphur Springs, Florida where he specialized as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. While in service, Louis was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Louis is a veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in December 1957. He was employed by the United States Post Office as a Truck Driver where he received the Outstanding Service Award. He retired after thirty-six years of service. After he retired from the United States Post Office, he became District Manager for Mail Delivery Service where he oversaw and directed the routes of drivers. He retired from Mail Delivery Service in February 2013.
Louis was united in holy matrimony to Betty Jo on November 19, 1963, in San Francisco, California, finally settling in Sacramento, California in 1969.
In his early years, Louis attended culinary school where he honed his baking skills. The family could not get enough of his specialty dessert, the all famous Cherry Cheesecake. He had a love for boxing and boxed professionally for a period of time. His son’s learned at an early age that discipline was best served up with the boxing gloves. When Louis had something important to say, he would always clear his throat which was an indication that you need to listen up. After he cleared his throat, the dreaded phrase would follow, “I understand there was a problem here this week”, followed by “go get the gloves.” Many who knew Louis were not surprised when greeted with some fancy footwork, a few left jabs and an uppercut! After retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard as well as the yards of family and friends who lived in the neighborhood.
Louis James Hill, the Patriarch of our family, was lovingly referred to as Louis J. He was a man of few words but had a contagious sense of humor and a magnetic smile. He loved listening to music and if you came for a visit, you were guaranteed to hear your favorite song since music played 24/7 in the Hill household.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Jo Hill and son, Reginald Eugene Hill.
Louis was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Anthony R. Sadler, Pastor.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Paula McNeal, two sons, James Hill, Nathaniel Hill, god-daughter Octavia Hopkins, three sister-in-law’s, Bonnie Daniels, Carol Anderson and Linda Sodia. He is also survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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