Bob was one of seven children born to the late John and Bertha Spohn Hill, and graduated class of 1964 Berne High School. Bob got his start in the floral industry in the mid-'60s at Das Blooming House in Berne, Ind. From there he started The Flower Bowl in Berne and then All About Flowers in Fort Wayne. Over the years Bob worked for several different floral companies in Ft Wayne. Bob won the Indiana State Designer of the Year award circa 1980. Bob's design talents and his efficient methods made him a great asset for the Wholesale side of the floral business. Many of you may have purchased some of his floral designs at a grocery store near you during a holiday season! Bob’s favorite holiday was Christmas. He had wonderful Christmas parties and spent most of the fall designing and decorating homes in the Ft Wayne area for the Christmas holiday.
In 2002 Bob retired with the intention to move to Florida to be close to his girls. He stopped off in Knoxville to visit the Brock family at Flowers Direct. Bob spent the next 12 years in TN where he enjoyed working, spending time with friends, shopping, gardening, and watching sports. Bob was a big fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. He regularly watched football and both men's and women's basketball. Even after moving to FL 4 years ago, he continued to follow UT Sports and would call his friends in TN to discuss the games. Bob's good humor and quick wit never knew a stranger. He always had a joke and a smile to offer those whose lives he touched on a daily basis. In Florida, Bob worked seasonal part-time as a designer at A Standing Ovation Florist in Port St Lucie. He attended Parkview Baptist Church in Ft Pierce, connecting instantly with Pastor Doug, who is also from Tennessee.
Even after the cancer diagnosis Bob never gave up hope, kept a positive attitude, was willing to go through whatever the doctors recommended, and was determined he would live to be 100. At Moffitt Cancer Center special thanks to Dr. Wade Sexton for the phenomenal skill he displayed performing dad's surgery, to Dr. Diane Portman in Palliative Care for her sincere concern and honesty, and to all the Doctors, Nurses, Techs, and the ladies wearing red up on 5 North in Moffitt Cancer Hospital. Heartfelt gratitude to Treasure Coast Hospice Dove Team nurses Ebony, Wendy, and Glenn. Also, CNAs Lunie and Merle - you two will forever be our angels unaware.
Bob was preceded in death by Infant sister, Judith Kay Hill, teenage son Gregg Alan Rich, brother, Jim Hill and recently his sister Janice Tupper-Dryer.
Left to cherish his memory are daughters; Tonya Rich-Rogers (Ricky Rogers) of Tampa, Fla. and Jennifer Bartholomew (Rick Bartholomew) of Port St Lucie, Fla., grandsons; Jonathan Rich, Jordan Rich-Rogers, Zachary Bartholomew, and Branson Bartholomew. Siblings; Jerry Hill (Marilou) of Decatur, Ind., Norma Hill of Berne, Ind., Paul Hill of Berne, Ind., sister-in-law Claudia Hill of St Petersburg, Fla., nieces and nephews; Rick Hill, Scott Hill, Jeff Hill, Doug Hill, Christine Hoque, Paul Tupper, Johnny Tupper, Brandon Hill, Carrie Grover their spouses and families; his extended family which includes Stanley and Sherry Brock of Knoxville, Tenn., Wayne and Rhoda Brock of Knoxville, Tenn., Butch Brock and wife Catherine of Chattanooga, TN, and friends too numerous to mention. He was a great spirit, a lot of fun, and will be missed.
A Life Celebration will be held in Indiana, more detailed information will be announced once confirmed.
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