Tom Hill Jr. AKA ‘Sony’ was born July 16, 1934, to the late Tom Hill Sr. and Lucille Hoy Hill. Tom was one of four children, Athan R. Manning, Lorene Davidson and Robert Clifton Hill, all of whom preceded him in death. He departed this life at his home at 12:35 p.m., Dec. 15, 2014.
He married his high school sweetheart, Virgie Shine, Nov. 10, 1958. To this union six children were born, Quinton L. (deceased), Sheila, Steven, Travis, Marcus and Tisha.
Tom confessed Christ as a child at Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church and remained an active member all of the years that he lived in Minden. He was faithful in his attendance and in his work in the church lending his talents and skills whereever needed. He served on the Board of Trustees. At one time he sang in the choir and most recently, he “bossed” the church kitchen. He became a “jewel” this past July.
Tom joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict in June 1952, and was honorably discharged in 1955. During his service in the Navy he received the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the United Nations Medal.
After returning home from the Navy, Tom graduated from Webster High School in 1957 and enrolled in college at Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He played football in both high school and college.
Worthy of note is that Tom is the last of four generations of Hill Brothers Plumbing Company. The company started in the early 1920s and was one of the first black- owned businesses in the city of Minden. The business lasted continuously and successfully until Tom’s health began to fail.
Tom leaves to mourn his passing five children, Sheila, Steven, Travis, Marcus and Tisha; eight grandchildren, Alicia Hill, Steven Hill II, Desmond Hill, Savion Hill, Brittney Hill, Courtland Hill, Christopher Eason and Keuna Eason; four great-grandchildren; and his very special lady, Carla Moore.
Tom may be called a “curmudgeon” (defined as a crusty, cantankerous, grouchy old man), except for the fact he was the same as a young man. However, he had a heart of gold. He was the most loyal, accountable, consistent and the very best friend one could ever wish for.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at Mt. Zion CME Church. Burial will be at Sheppard Street Cemetery. Benevolent Funeral Home will oversee the services.