Billy Frank “Bill” Hill, 81, of Jasper, Tennessee, died on Saturday morning, January 5, 2013 at 7:15 a.m.
He was a member of Holly Avenue United Methodist Church in South Pittsburg, Tn. He proudly served his country in Korea from December 1952 until May of 1954.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha Hill, his sister, Sue Hill Roberts and son, Kenneth Cline Hill.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Billie Cline Hill; daughter, Kim Hill Moore and son-in-law, Tim and grandson, Connor Moore; grandson, Jason Hill and wife, Stephanie and two great grandchildren, Peyton and Jax Hill; granddaughter, Alaya Hill; uncle, Joe Hill; and eight nieces and nephews, Patty and Jan Hill, Linda Roberts (Joe) Harris, and Johnny (Peggy) Roberts, Lee and Allen Roberts, Cindy and Holly Castle.
Bill was well-known and loved by many for his love, inspiration, influence, and guidance. He was always there for anyone with a smile and a helping hand.
The Sequatchie Valley Shrine Club would like to honor this page to Billy F. Hill for his lifetime of leadership and caring for others. He was a born leader.
Bill was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime. As a youth he wore the hats of baseball, softball, basketball and football coach for 15 years for both boys and girls softball. He was the silent spark and leader that kept everyone going.
Upon graduation he proudly wore the Army hat of our country, serving in Korea in charge of the train transportation to the front lines and back each day with the wounded. Returning home he proudly took the role of husband and father.
In 1955 he chose the Masonic order of Marion Lodge #515 F&AM in South Pittsburg, TN filling all the chairs and serving as Worshipful Master. He then received his 50-year pin from them in 2005. Then he put on the hat of the 40&8. In 1957, Bill chose the hat of a Scottish Rite member and received his 50-year pin in 2007. In 1958, Bill became a Shriner and proudly wore that hat to the day of his death. He received his 50-year pin from the shrine in 2008. He served Alhambra Temple as Potentate in 1996. Bill’s year Alhambra enrolled 311 men as new members. This was the largest year ever in the history of Alhambra Temple and still remains so.
Again there was a need in Jasper. There was no Jaycee Club there and many showed an interest. Bill was once again called upon. He contacted the right people and made this possible. He started the first club in Jasper, and was its first president.
After his children graduated, Bill became very active in the Sequatchie Valley Shrine Club. The club had dropped to only seven active members. They asked him to take the reins and serve as pesident in 1987/ The club had wanted a club house for years as they were meeting monthly in a restaurant in Jasper. Bill told them they could have one of their own but it would take hard work and many hours to accomplish. They asked him to take over and make this possible and they would help. Bill and D.C. Hardy met with the Mayor and members of the board and asked for help. They gave them space in the City Park and work began. Bill was then wearing the hat of maintenance supervisor, 42 ½ years, of E.I. DuPont in Chattanooga. He approached all his salesmen for donations in the form of materials to build the building. As Sequatchie Valley Club members saw what Bill was accomplishing they began to join in and become active in building the club house. In late November 1989, the building was completed and the now 25 plus active members proudly boast that this would never have been accomplished had Bill Hill not taken over. The club had its first dinner in the building on Thanksgiving Day 1989 and proudly announced that not one penny was owed on the building. In 1990, Bill donned the hat of Club Director for Alhambra Temple. Two years later in 1992 Bill was elected as Oriental Guide of Alhambra Shrine Temple and in 1996 he became Sequatchie Valley and Marion County’s first Potentate. Bill then became a County Commissioner of Marion County and once again proudly wore their hat for 12 years.
Another hat, Alhambra Temple had never had a “Q” unit. Many were interested and the year he was Potentate, 1996, Bill made this possible and the “Q” was started. Bill was their first President.
In 1997 Bill added another hat and became the president of the Jesters. Last but not least, Bill wore the hat of Circuit Court Clerk of Marion County for 12 years. He retired wearing the hat of a farmer.
To the day of his death, Bill remained active in any capacity he could and was Secretary of Sequatchie Valley Shrine Club.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. CT at Rogers Funeral Home, South Pittsburg, Tn. Rev. Joe Moore and Ronnie Case will officiate. Interment will follow at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 5-9 p.m. CT with a Masonic memorial service at 7 p.m. CTl at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.