Richard Hill
Richard Hill, 72, of Jonesboro, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Hamilton.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 1, at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel in Gatesville. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, near Jonesboro.
Richard was born Nov. 6, 1949, in Gatesville, to R.C. and Zona Thorp Hill. He grew up near Jonesboro in the community of Evergreen. He spent his youth learning about the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, making lasting friendships and the value of family.
In 1968, he was introduced by mutual friends to Linda Bates at the El Rancho Café in Evant. They married later that same year. Through all of life’s ups and downs, they grew together and faced the world as one. They had three beautiful children, Scott, Roger and Bobbie, but countless others considered them as bonus parents. The Hill home welcomed all their friends and family. rarely would you leave without fresh veggies, fresh fish or some deer meat from the fall.
Richard learned at an early age the value of hard work, the significance of a handshake, a job well done and honoring a commitment. He used this foundation for his family business, earning a reputation for quality work, honesty and integrity. His sons have continued in his footsteps, managing that business, continuing the family legacy.
Richard was one of a kind and a character. He was a bit stubborn but had a heart of gold. Those who knew him, knew they had a friend who would be there in a pinch, day or night, no matter the situation. Richard was generous of his loyalty and time, without question. Most probably remember him with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Even after having health issues, you could still find him sitting in his pickup, down at the river, watching cows with a beer (often a Bud Zero) and a grin on his face. Despite Linda’s best efforts, he would occasionally sneak a smoke. He enjoyed life and being surrounded by family and friends. He wanted people to have a good time, and he never missed an opportunity to give someone a hard time or make a wise crack.
On the banks of the Leon River and the Bend, he found joy teaching his children, grandchildren and many friends, how to fish. Richard took great pride in the fact that his daughter and granddaughters could bait a hook and run a trot line. He made many fond memories outdoors, hunting squirrel and deer, but he would proudly admit that the biggest bucks mounted on the walls were those Linda harvested.
Richard loved his family fiercely and wholeheartedly. He had a special bond with his grandchildren. He was their partner in crime, usually the leader when mischief was involved. They shared many secrets and many adventures.
What few people know about Richard was that he was a private man, keeping his most important life stories to himself. Richard professed his faith and was baptized Sept. 18, 2018, by his friend/ pastor in a horse trough on the home place. In typical Richard fashion, he called Scott to clean out the horse trough, as quick as he could. Scott got it done, and before long Richard came into to the house with his clothes dripping of water. Linda asked what happened, and he stated “I got wet.” A few hours later, he confided to Linda that he had been baptized in the horse trough. When she stated she would’ve liked to have been there, he said it was between him and God. His baptism fit him perfectly, a man of character. Many of his acts of kindness were never well known. When he saw a need or heard of someone needing help, he acted. Richard did not do this for fanfare or acknowledgement, but simply because of kindness and love. The lives of the people who were blessed by his generosity are a testament to his faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, R.C. and Zona Hill, and his beloved grandson, Layne. We take comfort knowing what a joyful reunion that will be in Heaven.
Richard will be deeply missed and remembered daily.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda; their three children, Scott Hill and wife Christon and Roger Hill and wife Malissa, all of Jonesboro, and Bobbie Belcher and husband Brent of Clifton; brother, Barney Hill and wife Sherry of China Spring; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and so many others that considered and called him Paw-Paw.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” -Author Unknown
The family has designated memorials to Evergreen Baptist Church, c/o Linda Hill, 1176 CR 305, Jonesboro, Texas 76538 or the Evergreen Cemetery, c/o Billy Fisher, 315 FM 217 West, Jonesboro, Texas 76538.
