United States Army First Sergeant Tank Commander McArthur Hill (retired), passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida.
Brother McArthur Hill was born March 21, 1943, to the late Harold Hill and Inez Armstrong Hill. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Kingsland Elementary School and graduated with honors from Ralph Johnson Bunche High School in 1961. He was an excellent high school football star and Captain of the Ralph J. Bunche Hornets football team. He was also a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan.
After graduation, McArthur joined the United States Army in 1962 and retired after 20 years of service. His accomplishments during his tenure in the Army include the following recognitions: Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Gallantry Cross, Overseas Bar, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Drill Sergeant Badge.
After retiring from the Army, he enrolled in the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Georgia, where he earned his associates degree. While in college he made the dean’s list every semester. He also worked as a security guard at Union Carbide Corporation and as a sales manager at DRMO, Kings Bay.
He was a member of the Democratic Party, served as City Council for the City of Woodbine for four years, a member of the VFW, Past Commander of the American Legion Post 511, Board member on the Department of Family and Children Services for 16 years. He was also one of the founders and board members for the Coastal Re-entry and Veterans Coalition 501C3 Nonprofit Corporation.
Besides his parents, those preceding him in death are his grandmothers, Jannie Armstrong and Dorothy Cody (he was raised by his grandmothers), Harold Hill, Jimmy Cody, Hannah Copps, Verdell Hill, Warren Hill, Josh Hill, Sam Hill, Mack Armstrong, Thelma Armstrong, Ruby Mainor, Eva M. Hill, Harriett Hill, Erma Jean Robinson, Jerome Hill, Jacob Parrish and Bernard Poole.
He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories, his loving and devoted wife, Emma Jane Kight Hill; two daughters, Veronica Hill, Brunswick, and LaTresha M. Watson, Jacksonville, Florida; three sons, Marcus Hill (Chrisse), Kingsland, Roderick Hill (Tosca), Atlanta, and Marcellus Watson, Sr. (Nahid), Atlanta; three sisters, Dorothy Hill Strickland (Joe), Florrine Pope, and Yvonne Jackson (Johnny); two brothers, Charlie Poole (Virginia) and Ivery Lee Johnson; sisters-in-law, Jannie Walker (Emanuel), Loretta Kight, Rosa B. Kight, Verdie Mainor and Terri Hill; brother-in-law, Edward Kight (Paula); grandchildren, Traveus Hill (Brianna), Marcellus Watson, Jr., Christopher Overstreet, Tiffany Overstreet, Marcus Williams, Nyah Hughes, Chase Hill, Kelsye Watson, Chelsey Hill and Devon Patchus; great-grandchildren, Kamden, Kingston, Hendrix McArthur, Kylee Grace, Josh, Ni’Jaie, Audri’ana and Kaiden; a special nephew, Troy Strickland, who was always available to help his uncle, regardless what the task, he was always there (Thank you, Troy); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Graveside funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery, White Oak. A public walk-thru viewing will be held Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sunset Chapel. Social distancing and masks are required.
Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.