Gary Gene Hill, lovingly known as “Papa”, 82 of Decatur, Al passed away after an extended illness at his home on Thursday, November 1, 2024.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 7, from 4:00-6:00 at Beltline Church of Christ with the funeral service to follow at 6:00. There will be a private burial on Friday for the family at Moulton City Cemetery.
Gary was born in Decatur on September 19, 1942, to Eugene and Martha Royer Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Spencer Maurice Hill. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Bedingfield Hill; his three children, Gary Todd (Tiffany, MD) Hill, Melissa (Greg) Hill Gann, and Julie (Tommy) Hill Cox; eight grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren.
Gary graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1960, where he played the trombone and was drum major his senior year. He graduated with a chemistry degree from The University of Alabama in 1965. Gary started working for Chemstrand/Monsanto/Solutia in 1965 until his retirement in 2000. He worked for Decatur City Schools for ten years. Gary met the love of his life, Shirley, in the summer of 1960 and were married in August 1963 at Beech Street Church of Christ. Gary loved the Lord and his church family at Beltline Church of Christ where he served as Song Leader, Youth Minister, Educational Director, Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Elder.
