richard hill
November 6, 1949 – June 28, 2022
Richard Hill, age 72, of Jonesboro, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Hamilton.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel in Gatesville. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery near Jonesboro.
Richard was born on November 6, 1949 in Gatesville, the son of the late RC and Zona Thorp Hill. He grew up near Jonesboro in the Evergreen community. He spent his youth learning about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, making lasting friendships, and the value of family.
In 1968 mutual friends introduced him to Linda Bates at El Rancho Café in Evant. They were married later that same year. Through all of life’s ups and downs, they grew up together and faced the world as one. They had three beautiful children, Scott, Roger and Bobbie, but many others considered them extra parents. Hill’s home welcomed all of his friends and family. You would rarely go without fresh vegetables, fresh fish or venison from the fall.
Richard learned at a young age the value of hard work, the importance of a handshake, a job well done, and following through on a commitment. He used this foundation for his family business, earning a reputation for quality work, honesty and integrity. His children have followed in his footsteps, managing that business, continuing the family legacy. Richard was in a class of his own and a character. He was a bit stubborn but he 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 with his loyalty and his time, without a doubt. Most will probably remember you with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Even after health problems, he could still find him sitting in his truck by the river, looking at cows with a beer (often a Bud Zero) and a smile on his face. Despite Linda’s best efforts, he occasionally sneaked 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 joke. On the banks of the Leon and Bend rivers, he found joy teaching his children, grandchildren and many friends how to fish. Richard took pride in the fact that his daughter and his granddaughters could catch a hook and run a trotting line. He made many fond memories of the great outdoors, hunting squirrels and deer, but he would proudly admit that the larger bucks hanging on the walls were the ones Linda caught.
Richard loved his family fiercely and wholeheartedly. He had a special bond with his grandchildren. He was his partner in crime, usually the leader when it came to mischief. They shared many secrets and many adventures. What few people know about Richard is that he was a private man, keeping the most important stories of his life to himself. Richard professed his faith and was baptized on September 18, 2018 by his friend/pastor of his at a hometown horse trough. In typical Richard fashion, he called Scott to clean up the horse trough as fast as he could. Scott did, and before long Richard came into the house with his clothes dripping with water. Linda asked what happened and he said, “I got wet.” A few hours later, he confided in Linda that he had been baptized at the horse trough. When she said that she wished she was there, he said that it was between him and God. His baptism suited him perfectly, a man of character. Many of his acts of kindness were never well known. When he saw a need or heard that someone needed help, he acted. Richard did not do this out of fanfare or recognition, but simply out 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, RC and Zona Hill, and his beloved grandson, Layne. He comforts us knowing what a joyous reunion it will be in Heaven.
Richard will be deeply missed and remembered every day. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda; his three children, Scott Hill and wife, Christon, of Jonesboro, Roger Hill and wife, Malissa, of Jonesboro, and Bobbie Belcher and husband, Brent, of Clifton; brother, Barney Hill and wife, Sherry, of China Spring; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and so many others who considered it and named it PawPaw.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” – unknown author.
In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorials to Evergreen Baptist Church, c/o Linda Hill, 1176 CR 305, Jonesboro, Texas 76538 or Evergreen Cemetery, c/o Billy Fisher, 315 FM 217 West, Jonesboro, Texas 76538.