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Johnny Hill Obituary
Johnny Ferguson Hill, Sr, age 88, a long-time resident of Oxford, OH, and a more recent resident of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, died in Lewisburg, WV, on Saturday, March 29.
Johnny was born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, on May 22, 1936, to Haygood White Hill and Bessie Ferguson Hill. After graduating from Duke University in Durham, NC, Johnny began his life-long role as an educator and mentor, including nearly 40 years at Miami University in Oxford, OH. There, as a professor in the College of Education and as a faculty member/principal at Miami's McGuffey Laboratory School, Johnny's knowledge, dedication, passion, and humor were instrumental in helping thousands of students and already-established teachers become more effective educators.
Johnny and his beloved wife of 65 years, Rachel, lovingly nurtured their four children in the wonderful Oxford/Miami community, while embracing their shared passions for music and travel. As retirement neared, Johnny and Rachel built a new home on a mountainside near Marlinton, WV, where they fell in love with their new community and spent countless hours overlooking the beautiful Greenbrier River valley.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 5:00 pm at the Marlinton (WV) United Methodist Church, and on Saturday, May 10, at 11:00 am at the Oxford (OH) United Methodist Church.
Please visit Legacy.com for more information.
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Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Hill
4 Entries
Becky Brower Osborne
May 10, 2025
I am so sad to hear of the passing of this warm, wise and wonderful man, but I take comfort in knowing he is reunited with the beloved wife he adored.
As a student in his 7th grade Math class at McGuffey, I was blessed by all Dr Hill had to offer. The highlight of the year was his "Eleven" lecture, in which he listed all the ways the number 11 was present in his family´s life. (He was born on the 22nd; the 2 and 9 from the day he passed equals 11; certainly it´s no coincidence that his service in Oxford is at 11am.) He opened his students´ eyes to the playful role numbers could have in our lives.
But more than a successful and entertaining teacher, "Mr Hill" was the incredibly fun and engaging father of my friends, Leigh and Jeff. (He never once insisted on being called Dr Hill.) Everyone adored his folksy charm and humor. He rivaled Andy Griffith for sheer pleasure to listen to.
Another commitment prevents my attendance at his service this morning but my thoughts, prayers and love go out to Leigh, Jeff, Fenton, Eric and their families. The world has lost a bright, beloved and exemplary soul.
Jim and Laura Sawyer
May 2, 2025
What a wonderful life he led. He always talked about Rachael and his children.
He and Rachael visited us in Rogers Arkansas one time and he and I had fun sharing memories of Murfreesboro and all the cousins. He will be a gentle angel of God and heaven will be blessed. Love to his family. Laura Sawyer
Kathy Branch Spicer
April 23, 2025
I was so saddened to see the obituary of Johnny Hill, a treasured part of my memories of my Miami years in the mid 1980s. As a summer staff member of several different short, residential enrichment programs for gifted students, I was hired and mentored by this wonderful man, and those summer jobs meant far more than a paycheck to me. Dr. Hill and my fellow "camp counselors" who worked with the young students during these summer programs were so influential and memorable. Those summers provided some of my favorite memories of my Miami years. Johnny Hill died on the 29th anniversary of the death of my father. I would venture to say that Dr. Hill was likely a very cherished surrogate "dad" to many students over the years. His care and dedication to education live on in many.
Suzanne Horton
April 20, 2025
Dr. Hill was my advisor and mentor at Miami University 1991-1993. He was a wonderful man and inspiration. He has left a positive mark in the lives of so many. May we all strive to be positive influence like Dr. Hill.
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