Donald Charles Hill was born August 19, 1940, in Childersburg, AL, and passed away August 4, 2026. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose steady devotion, faithful heart, and generous spirit were evident in the way he lived and served others.
Donald grew up in Childersburg, where he worked at the family Texaco station alongside his father and brother. It was there that he developed the skill and confidence of a true mechanic. He was someone who could look at a problem, put his hands to it, and make it right. That hard-working determination stayed with him throughout his life, and many came to rely on his ability to fix just about any car and, in truth, just about anything.
He later worked 30 years at the papermill in Childersburg as a pipefitter. Known by co-workers as “Booger,” he earned respect through consistent effort and a dependable presence, bringing not only strength to the job, but a full, steady energy that made him a valued part of the workplace.
Donald’s life was anchored by love of family and a deep, abiding faith. He loved his Lord and Savior and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Sylacauga for the majority of his life. He served as a Bible school teacher, worked and led in the Men’s Ministry, and served on the church Board for 20 years, quietly giving of himself in ways that strengthened the church and those within it.
He also found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He loved to fish, and he was well known as a “Treasure Collector,” turning side-of-the-road finds into his next project. He spent many hours repairing, restoring, and making cast-off items useful again. Strong as an ox, he would load up his treasures into his truck by himself and bring them home, ready to get to work. He enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, and metal detecting with his grandchildren, sharing his time and attention that made ordinary days feel special.
Visitation will be held at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150, on August 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 1501 Talladega Highway, Sylacauga. Bro. Mance McCarthy will officiate the services.
Pallbearers will be Wade Pruitt, Ethan Perkins, Jacob Bassett, Corbitt Castleberry, Zachary Bingel, and Jason Tillman.
Donald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Hill; his daughter, Donna R. Hill; his granddaughters, Nichole Pruitt (Wade) and Jennifer Tillman (Jason), a grandson, Jacob Bassett; his great-grandsons, Tyler Smith, Zachary Bingel, and Ethan Perkins; a great-granddaughter, Kenleigh Bassett; and his sister, Patricia Alverson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bessie Hill; his son, Darryl C. Hill; his sisters, Violet Taylor and Bonnie Turner; his brother, James R. Hill; and his close cousin, Rufus Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald Hill's memory to First Church of the Nazarene, 812 N Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, Alabama, US.
