Gilbert Hill
1931-2021
Gilbert R. Hill of Edmond, Oklahoma was born August 2nd ,1931 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Gilbert Hill Sr. and Lillian Mitchell Hill. He left his earthly home July 3rd, 2021, for a heavenly home in the arms of Jesus.
Gil grew up as a farm boy who helped his dad with chores morning and evening, including milking 13 cows a day. After the family traded the farm for city life, he attended Putnam City High School graduating in 1950. In 1951 when the Korean War started, Gil became a sailor and spent 4 years in the Navy. On returning home, Central State College (now UCO) became his college choice where he graduated in 1955.
He met and then married Virginia Belle Turner in June 1956. They shared a very happy life till her death in 2000.
From that union came two children, Michael and Jenni Hill, who were the delight of his life. He welcomed their spouses, Suzanne Hill and Ed Troutman to the family when each married.
Then came two grandchildren, Michelle and Brant (spouses Chris Smith and Leslie Hill) who were all very special to him. The icing on the cake are two great-grandsons, Bearach Smith and Major Michael Hill.
In his professional life, Gill enjoyed success as a pharmaceutical representative.
On November 28th, 2001, Gil married Jeannean Blanton overlooking a beautiful beach in Maui, Hawaii. They shared almost 20 happy years together. With that marriage he gained three stepchildren, Brent, Tamra, and Tara and two beautiful grandchildren Brittany and Zoey.
Gil’s favorite hobbies were flying his airplane, fishing Lake Texoma, and playing golf.
After becoming a Christian at age 26, besides his family, his passion was teaching God’s word to others through one-on-one bible studies and baptizing them. He was super successful at that.
Gill served 17 years as an Elder of the Wilshire Church of Christ and taught bible classes at both the Edmond Church of Christ and the Del City Church of Christ.
He was a people person who loved being with family and friends. He touched many lives with his caring and generosity. He will be missed.
There will be a viewing 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday July 6th, at Matthews Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM at Del City at Church of Christ, Wed. July 7th.
Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Edmond, Oklahoma.
Gil was a great Christian friend whom my wife and I had the privilege of knowing, together with his wife Jeannean, for many years. We were honored to be associated with him in many endeavors, including co-teaching an in-home bible class. He was very much a people-person, and lived so well the Will Rogers infamous saying of “not ever meeting a person he didn’t like”. We shall always remember so many humorous and other stories shared together.
Gil’s light was “always shining” for all to see and he was among the most liked members of our church family. He loved his earthly family so very much and used every opportunity to talk about them.
Gil will be greatly missed by all, but his legacy will always remain as such: “Gil is now enjoying forever the heavenly home he helped so many others to attain.” May our Lord bless his family richly.
Gil Hill was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. It was a great privilege and blessing to work with Gil and to be numbered among his friends. Gil’s work performance was always exemplary, and he was eager to train others in his craft. How much I treasure the memory of the many days we worked together and shared our testimonies of what our Savior meant to us as we drove from office to office in “the City.” Gil was such a kind, gentle man who loved his family and was a source of encouragement to all who knew him. I look forward to seeing Gil, again, in that Holy City.
Gil was a beautiful friend he would always put a smile on my face, when we had bible study he made sure I understood the lesson before he left the room. I’m going to miss his smile his laugh the happiness you both gave me. Jeannean I love you, you always made me feel so loved and needed thank you beautiful friend , I so glad I told Gil how much I
loved you both and needed you both in my life true friends . I cry because of the happy memories we had together God Bless You Jeannean You and Your Family Are In My Prayers. Love You
Gil was a fine gentleman, a good friend, and a worthy competitor in the pharmaceutical industry. We shared many lunches talking about our passion, joy and expense of airplane ownership. We often sought out each other’s advice dealing with physicians and other competitors. It was a blessing to have known him. Like many friends, I regret that I didn’t see him often enough after we both retired. God bless him in his new journey.
I imagine most people feel like their grandad was the greatest ever. I’m no different. The only difference is that mine really was! Gil Hill was many wonderful things to lots and lots of people—over the last few days I’ve heard him called a friend, a mentor, a work associate, a teacher…lots of different things to lots of people who loved him. To me, though, he was Popop. My brother and I were the lucky kiddos who got to have him as a fishing buddy, a storyteller, a popcorn-late-at-night-fixer, a get ya every weekend for a sleepover Popop. A take you to the lake for boat rides and milkshakes every night best buddy. The one who let us stay up and watch MASH with him way past our bedtime. He was a Popop who played with us. A Popop who made us laugh at jokes or pranks. A Popop who showed up. Every birthday, play, sporting event, awards assembly when we were kids…he was there. Even as we grew to be adults with our own families—he never missed a birthday, ours or our spouses or childrens. We never left his presence without a big hug and him telling us how much he loved us. He showed us how to love people BIG. He showed us the importance of family. He never gave up on us; never didn’t make us feel like we were his most favorite. He taught us, most importantly, to love the Lord. He showed us what it meant to serve. He showed my Dad how to parent and what it means to be a Dad—I get to see this legacy continue as my brother parents my sweet nephew. His example, his life, shaped each of us. He truly was the greatest.
My precious little Popop, you will forever be in my heart. Thank you for every single memory and for loving me so well.
Xoxo-SMS