Hill's wife, Cheryl, told The Associated Press her husband died around 4 p.m. Wednesday after a battle with leukemia. She said he was diagnosed in July with a precursor to leukemia and it progressed quickly.
She described her husband of 27 years as "a wonderful, giving man" who died too young.
"He was the best husband and father, the most honest and honorable state representative," she said.
The Canton Republican was sworn in as a state representative in January 2003. House Speaker David Ralston called Hill "one of the most principled public servants in our state."
"He fought hard for the ideals he believed in and never grew weary of doing what was right," Ralston said in a written statement. "We will miss his leadership and the great dignity he brought to our body. I know that every House member joins me in expressing our love and sympathy to Cheryl and all of the Hill family."
Before serving in the Legislature, Hill served two terms as mayor of Ball Ground in the early 1990s. He was an entrepreneur who started several businesses, according to his biography on the General Assembly website.
He was born in California and later moved to Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was trained in engineering and demolition, his biography says. He and his wife moved to Georgia in 1986.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/10/267357