Ronald L. Hill, age 82, of Jackson, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Holzer Medical Center-Jackson. He was born on April 30, 1935 in Bellaire, Ohio to Stanley Earl Hill and Anna Hill.
Ronald was an avid athlete in his younger days. He was a four-year letterman in track and football for the Bellaire Big Reds. He played football at West Liberty. Ronald competed in pole vault in the Army. He loved watching the Buckeyes. Ronald was a notable musician. He played in the house band at the Wheeling Jamboree, playing behind many notable artists such as Johnny Cash, Bill Anderson and Hawkshaw Hawkins to name a few. He later became an evangelist, taking his faith and music across the nation with his family. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ron decided to set down some roots and become a full-time pastor. He and his family took over a church in Rome, New York for three years before accepting a local pastoral position at the Wellston Nazarene Church in 1984. He held the position of pastor at the Wellston Nazarene for three years, then moved to Florida where he accepted another pastoral position. Ronald kept that position for some time. He then accepted a job with the state of Florida where he held the title as the Regional Housing Developer through HUD. Acting as R.H.D., Ron disbursed state funds to hardship cases throughout the area, including homeless recipients, disaster victims and immigration to name a few. He received statewide recognition for his efforts in aiding victims of the Hurricane Andrew devastation in 1993. He retired from the state in 2012. Largely in part due to Alzheimer’s. He ultimately succumbed to his battle with this condition.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by brothers: Earl Hill, Edwin Hill and Kenny Hill; and sister, Della Hill.
He is survived by sons: Ronald Joseph (R.J.) Hill and Michael (Angie) Hill; sister, Marjorie Hill; five grandchildren: Brooklyn Hill, Angel Hill, Dominick Hill, Nereida Hill and Alexa Hill; and two great-grandchildren: Lilyana Rodriguez and Calla Rodriguez.
No calling hours or funeral services will be conducted. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home and Southern Ohio Cremation Services.
Condolences may be sent to www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com