Robert “Rip” Hill, Jr., lifelong resident of Elkton, TN, passed peacefully from this world on December 1, 2019 at age 89. Rip was born on March 3, 1930 to Robert Riley and Mable Clara McNeese Hill. In addition to his parents, Rip was preceded in death by his siblings: William Hill, Allen Hill, Mary Yant, Paul Hill, Martha Newman, Louise Scott, Maybelle Hill, and Elise (Tiny) Pratt and his granddaughter Emily Patton Tunstill.
Rip attended Elkton School in his early years. In 1951, he was drafted in the US Army and was assigned to the 200th Engineering Company, 196 Infantry Regiment. His position was a Crane Shovel Operator working on the roadways in Alaska. In 1953, he was honorably discharged from the Army as a PFC and went into reserve duty with the US Army Tennessee National Guard. In 1956, he was honorably discharged from this duty. Rip was employed with Maremont Gabriel until his retirement in 1992.
Rip was married 55 years to Jo Ann Allen, having married July 4, 1964 at Elkton Baptist Church. In 1967, Rip was saved during worship at the Elkton Baptist Church and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Pulaski, TN. Presently, he was a member of Community Baptist Church in Ardmore, AL. Rip loved hunting, fishing, and sports. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and loved watching baseball games.
Rip is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, daughter Robbie (Steve) Phifer and son Eddie (Kelly) Hill of Elkton, four grandchildren: Logan Phifer, Kayla Phifer, Rylie Hill, and Katie Patton of Elkton. Many nephews and nieces also survive.
Visitation will be held at Bennett-May and Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory in Pulaski, TN from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, December 3. Service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 4 at the funeral home. Pastors Steve Hargrove and Heath Haney will officiate. Burial will follow at Elkton Cemetery in Elkton, TN.
Pallbearers will be Logan Phifer, Steve Scott, Billy Joe Hill, James Pratt, Granvil Adams, Ryan Carlisle, Joe Davis, and Gary Turner. Honorary pall bearers are Sammy Shackleford, Gary Hargrove, Butch Phifer, and William Newman.
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Robert “Rip” Hill, Jr.
