John Arthur Hill, 63, of Ocala died Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Hospice Legacy House, with his family by his side. John was born November 6, 1949 in Opalocka, Florida to the late Frances and Raymond Hill. John grew up in Hialeah, FL graduating from Dade Christian High School, attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina, and graduated from West Georgia College in Carrollton, GA. He traveled to churches around the county with the group “Life Action Singers”, where he met and married the love of his life Patty Worrell on July 22, 1973 in Huntington, West Virginia. They settled in Pembroke Pines, Florida to raise their two daughters. John worked for Eastern Airlines, before moving to Praxair Surface Technologies, where he worked for 12 years as an engineer. He then moved to Ocala in 2004 where he retired. He enjoyed singing, traveling and had a love of airplanes. John was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a tender, caring grandfather. He looked forward to his weekly play dates with his granddaughter, Delaney. John was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Hill. He is survived by his loving wife, Patty; two cherished daughters, Melissa and her husband, Ernie Clautier, Jr. of Ocala and Amanda and her husband, John Higgs of Pembroke Pines, FL and three adored grandchildren, Ben, Delaney and Jake. Private family services will be held.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. John was such a good friend . I wish we would have kept in touch more than we did. John will truly be missed by everyone that knows him. He was a great person. I remember that times we had in HS & college. He always kept a smile. We can be assured that he is in a greater place now and free from affliction. May God bless you Patty, Melissa, & Amanda.
My heart goes out to each of you. I loved Johnny (as I always called him) so much and I am having a hard time accepting the fact he is gone. I have so many fond memories of him- the singing, the joking, and the eating. That man LOVED my Mama's chocolate pie and she would always make several when we knew he was coming to our house. I remember the summer he stayed with us and worked on the farm. That was a real eye-opener for him! I have so many regrets for not staying closer to all of you. Please know that I am keeping you all in my prayers and sending lots of love to you. I have found comfort in thinking about Johnny being in Heaven with Aunt Frances, Mam-maw, Beverly, Tiger, and the rest of the family members who have passed on. I love you!