Deacon Robert Harris Hill was born January 19, 1948 in Tignall, Georgia to the late Emory and Eldora (Heard) Hill. He departed this life surrounded by his family at his residence in Gainesville, Georgia on Sunday, February 23, 2025, following an extended illness. Early Life Robert received his education from Hart County High School in Georgia. From humble beginnings working on farms in Elbert and Hart County, Georgia, he learned many skills from planting crops to fixing and building things. In the 1960s, Robert and his family made the move to Gainesville, Georgia. He and his brother, Tom had worked together at the popular restaurant, L & K. Robert later became friends with Julius Stephens, who then introduced him to his cousin, Betty Jo Stephens. They were smitten with each other and married on August 19, 1967. As time went on, they grew their family of four children. Life’s Work Robert accepted Christ early in life. He became a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia in the 1970s, and eventually, became a deacon. He served on the Deacon Board for 46 years during the late Reverend Mack Clark, the late Reverend C. C. Cloud, and Reverend Rodney Lackey Sr. Robert always had a fervent and zealous spirit when it came to serving others. He was always helping someone in need, offering quiet acts of kindness and goodness. Unquestionably, he was self-sacrificing and never seeking anything in return. Furthermore, he was very active in the Veterans Outreach Ministry and food pantry mission for many years. In the late 1960s, Robert started his career in synthetic and textile manufacturing at Chicopee Johnson & Johnson. He was a dependable, diligent worker and never missed a day. Soon, he became supervisor and received numerous awards and accolades over his 30-year career. During the late 1980s, he went on to work for Synthetic Industries. Finally, he was employed with Lumite, Inc. before his retirement in 2010. Later Life and Legacy After retirement, Robert and Betty had lived quietly together for 57 years. Over the years, Robert kept busy and enjoyed being in his garden growing crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. He had a wonderful green thumb and could grow okra stalks as high as 10 feet high. Additionally, he had a talent for building things. For instance, he built a sturdy ramp out of wood on the side of his porch. Whenever one of his children called him, he knew how to fix it. Moreover, many never knew about his musical abilities, that he could play the guitar and piano by ear. There were also other ways Robert remained active as well. One memorable moment is when he and his sister, Cornelia ran in the Peachtree Road Race in 2017. Robert was a great provider for his family. He was a loving, loyal, and devoted father, not only to his family, but was like a father to many. Robert and Betty were doting grandparents. They treasured visits from their granddaughter, Christiarra, whom they loved as if she were their own daughter. Their grandchildren were their most valued blessings. Robert was a fun-loving soul, he loved to laugh, and enjoyed spending time with family, his sisters, and friends. Betty Jo’s sisters and brothers affectionately referred to him as “our brother.” Those who knew him will never forget his sense of humor, light-hearted spirit and infectious smile. He would leave you with a joke that had you laughing for days. He faced his crisis with dignity and bravery because he had strong faith and trusted the hand of God in every situation. Finally, Robert was our example of how we are supposed to love unconditionally. He will be reunited with his wife, Betty Jo (Stephens) Hill, who recently passed on November 21, 2024; his oldest daughter: Stephanie Laverne Hill; his parents: Emory and Eldora (Heard) Hill; his two brothers: Tom Hill and Fred Hill; two sisters: Charity Lou (Hill) Clark and Euniceteen Hill. Left to cherish the memories and carry on his living legacy are his son: Christopher Rodrick (Cindy) Hill, Winder, Georgia; two daughters: Sybil Rachel (Johnny) Mize, Oakwood, Georgia, Andrea Nicole (Charles) Terry, Flowery Branch, Georgia. Grandchildren: Christiarra R. Hill, Des Moines, Iowa, Christopher (Breanna) Tafao, San Francisco, California, Charles J. Terry (CJ), Flowery Branch, Georgia, Aria Hill, Winder, Georgia. Great-Grandchildren: Olivia Rae Price, Des Moines, Iowa; Gabriel Alexander Hill, Des Moines, Iowa, Meleane Tafao, San Francisco, California, Painuulasi Tafao, San Francisco, California. Two sisters: Earnestine (Hill) Bonds and Cornelia (Hill) Martin; Special niece and nephews: Brenda Hill, Ludell Hill, and Bill Clark; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Antioch Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Wimberly Funeral Home Chapel between the hours of 2:00 PM -8:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
