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Garry Hill Obituary
Mr. Hill was born on November 3, 1946, in Rutherford County, NC, the son of Ed and Rachel Hill. He moved to Charlotte in 1955. He attended Garinger High School and played on the Post 9 American Legion Baseball teams that were runners-up for the 1964 National Championship and the 1965 winners of the American Legion World Series. Following his sophomore year at UNC-Chapel Hill he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves as their first round draft pick. When his professional baseball career ended, he became a salesman for Package Products/Sonoco-Engraph. After retiring he purchased On Deck Baseball/Softball Skill Development Academy where he and his sons worked to develop and train young people in the game he loved. Through On Deck, Garry operated a nonprofit organization to help provide less-privileged youth with a chance to pursue the game that gave him so much.
Garry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra Prophet Hill, three sons, Jason Hill (Janine), Kevin Hill (Kara), and Travis Hill (Susan); nine grandchildren, Matthew, Emily, Sydney, Michael, Louis, Brody, Connor, Rae and Eve Hill. He is also survived by his brother, D. Eddie Hill (Dianne) of Durham, NC.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Kunal Kadakia of Levine Cancer Institute and to the wonderful caring people at Southminister Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care at donatehospice.com or to BSDA at 10229 Rodney Street, Pineville, NC 28134.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Garry Hill
David Helms
September 15, 2024
A wonderful humble man whose life touched so many others in beautiful ways. RIP Garry
Brenda Railey Freeze
September 15, 2023
Blessings for Sandra and her boys! We know where Garry is, and we share the same years of loss with Brenda Brewer, but I hope Sandra and her boys are doing well these days!
David Helms
September 15, 2023
Garry was a great athlete and a fine first class gentleman. He was such a humble and caring person. Will always have special memories of his great abilities in baseball. Garry was such a great player and team leader. RIP Garry!
David Helms
September 15, 2019
Garry Hill was a special man in so many ways. A man whose character was underscored by humility and love. Best high school pitcher I have ever seen. Loved by everyone who knew him.
September 30, 2017
RIP Garry. not only were you a superstar athlete but an inspiration to so many young baseball players that came through the on deck program. you will always be remembered as a true gentleman whose character was underscored with humbleness, honesty, and dignity. you will be missed by so many, but people like myself will never forget Garry Hill, the legend. love you.
Myra Richardson Chandler
September 28, 2017
Sandra, I am sorry to hear of Garry's passing. He was such a wonderful guy, and I always had such respect for him. My dad also thought the world of Garry. I have so many happy memories of watching him play at Garinger and Post 9/287. And it was heart-warming to see how much he was always truly in love with you. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Russ Frazier
September 24, 2017
Garry Hill - A great guy and a friend to me!
This gentleman & super athlete will be sorely missed by me & every person who knew him ever in his lifetime. I first met Garry when he was on the freshman team at UNC & pitched against my team at Louisburg College. I think I remember his striking out 21 of my guys & we were pretty good. (I'll just bet he & Coach Rabb are talking baseball right now.) The PBR has lost a great friend & colleague.
Clara & I send our sincere & heartfelt condolences to the family as you cope with your loss.
Blessings & Prayers,
Russ & Clara Frazier
Sopona Eason
September 24, 2017
Hill family,
We are sorry to hear of Mr. Hill's passing. Please know that we are thinking about you all and praying for you during these difficult times.
We have great memories about the Hill Family.
Sopona Eason and RJ (Rattanack) In
Bruce Bolick
September 23, 2017
Dear Sandra and family,
Garry was an inspiration to me personally and to many. He was a great team-mate and leader.....always willing to listen and help everyone. He was not only an inspiration in baseball; but also in the courage he showed as he battled cancer. Garry was one of the most notable people in Charlotte baseball history. My family and I share your grief and pray God's comfort for all of you.
September 23, 2017
So sorry to learn of Garry's passing. All are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve, Myra, Carter and Lara Griffie
C. Nabor
September 23, 2017
May the peace of God be with you all as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. He will be missed by all.
Greg & Chris Litaker
September 23, 2017
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Garry. You are in our hearts and prayers.
September 23, 2017
This message is from Peggy Huffstickler. She was an older cousin of Garry and has such fond memories of him over the years. She remembers the day he was born and how cute he was. She says he was always such a kind and wonderful person. We pray for you all to have peace and comfort during this time of loss.
Jeanne Thompson (Peggy's daughter)
Reg Pinkerton
September 23, 2017
Dear Sandra and the sons. I was so hurt when I heard about Garry. Garry to me was large strong southern gentleman with a huge caring heart for people. The youth baseball community expanded because of his love of the game and coaching.
For sure he will be missed.
God Bless you and the family, Reg
Mark Ford
September 22, 2017
Garry, a great man with a great family. Sandra, Jason, Kevin and Travis, you've sent an angel up to watch down over us. He'll be bringing smiles and teaching the game of baseball to many fans above.
With Love,
Mark Ford and family
MJ
September 22, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family.
May God sustain you at this time
Please find comfort from his word
Where he promises he will
"comfort your heart
and make you firm"
during this time of great loss.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
With deep sympathy
Anda Cochran
September 22, 2017
Dear Sandra, boys and family,
My dearest, warmest sympathy. Garry was as fine a man as I've ever known. We always enjoyed being in his company. Christy said he was in her thoughts last evening as she attended a long planned Braves game. I fondly remember watching Garry and the guys playing softball years ago, and the complaints that our team had a ringer with Garry on the team. Much love,
September 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of Garry's passing. Edith Brown Edney
Scott Smith
September 22, 2017
Hill Family,
Very saddened to hear of your loss. Too many wonderful memories to know where to begin. We pray for your peace and serenity in this tough time and are here for you if you need anything. Sincere condolences to you all.
With Love,
- Smith Family
Jack Phillips
September 22, 2017
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family at this time. Garry was always a class act and was very well respected by those of us that dealt with him throughout the years. Heaven's gain is our loss.
September 21, 2017
Prayers for you & your family, Coach Jason and Coach Kevin.
-With Love, Trevor, Matthew & Heather Grant
William "Butchie" England
September 21, 2017
Garry was my hero. As a younger cousin of 7 years or so, Garry helped me many times without knowing it. I as a Little League Player thru my years of playing the Next Level, (including Charlotte Park League Baseball) I was always recognized as "GARRY HILL'S COUSIN"! I was almost as famous as he was, in my small group of peers, as the City of Charlotte embraced him as their Pride and Joy! He taught me how to throw a curve ball that was so effective that the first time I pitched a game I relied upon it and struck out 11 batters using that Curve Ball! Many years later Garry and I were Pall Bearers at our Aunt Lily's funeral. As I sat beside this wonderful, gentle Giant, he sobbed openly. I last saw Garry at my mother's funeral, (his Aunt Gladys England) and I was so proud to introduce this fine man to everyone that I sometimes forgot what I was doing! Although that was one of the most recent times of seeing him, I promise you that he Still Is My HERO and always WILL BE!...He will forever be in MY HEART!
God Bless You Sandra and Family, he was and still is a GOOD MAN.....
Brett Thompson
September 21, 2017
I would not be where I am today without Garry. He helped me realize my dream of playing ball in college and I got hired for my job because I was an athlete in college. Thank you Garry for all the help you gave me and to the amazing On Deck family you helped create.
William White
September 21, 2017
Prayers for the Hill Family in a time of great loss. But comfort can be found that His Legacy will live on. His work will continue through his Sons and family and I doubt he would want to change a single thing!
Wayne Phillips
September 21, 2017
His curve ball was the best. I faced him only one time and I fell out of the batter's box when he threw it. From what I've read here he must have been a great father. Everybody knew of Garry when I was growing up in Charlotte.
Brant
September 21, 2017
I saw Garry pitch for the Braves against the Southern League All Stars at Griffith Park in 1967. I met him a few years when he joined some of his fellow Garinger Alums at Riverview Inn. It was a pleasure to have met him. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hill family.
Robin Barnes
September 21, 2017
My sympathies to the Hill family in their loss. I work with his niece, Paige, who speaks with love and pride about her uncle.
Kevin, Kim, Joshua & Caleb Evans
September 21, 2017
It is with saddened hearts to hear of the passing of Mr. Gary Hill. Our family was a part of the Hill family and the On-Deck Organization for many years and the level of love and respect we have could never be measured. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and will continue to be with you as you get through this most difficult time. We pray that God will give you peace and comfort and help you to focus on the beautiful memories. We love you.
Greg Belk
September 21, 2017
While I never met Garry, he was a baseball idol of mine. As a 12 and 13 year old, I followed those Post 9 teams as I did my favorite major league teams. He was a great player, and he motivated me always to continue to improve my game, because I wanted to play for Garinger and Post 9 one day. I was able to realize those dreams, and later play in the ACC. Garry obviously was a man of great character as I read through these testimonies, and that makes me doubly proud to know one of my idols was much more than a baseball player!
Scott Bailey
September 21, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hill family. He touched lot of people through baseball. He will truly be missed.
Rick Wilson
September 21, 2017
On behalf of the entire Garinger High School 60's Reunion Group, our Prayers and thoughts are extended to the Hill Family. Gary was one of our "finest" and loved by ALL the Garinger Alumni. Simply put, he was our friend and we celebrate his life! God's Blessings to our Dear Friends Family! Rick Wilson-Garinger 60s Reunion Committee
Brandi, Bailey, Granger, Zetta Grace, and Eloise Bartee
September 21, 2017
Our family always enjoyed our time with Mr. Hill when he brought Louis to tournaments. We are very thankful for the wonderful example and great leadership that he displayed for his own children who are now continuing his great legacy with our kids at On Deck. The entire Hill family brings such joy, wisdom, and kindness to so many. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Lean on your faith and friends to help support you while always remembering to celebrate the great memories.
Amy McGee
September 21, 2017
The McGee & Kenley family send our thoughts & prayers for the Hill and On Deck family. Garry's love for baseball & the players was evident when you were around him. You could see his passion in the big smile he had on his face when you were around him. His legacy will continue through his family and all the many boys he has coached & helped. May you all feel God's loving arms wrapped around you giving you the comfort and peace only He can give.
Mark Brannock
September 21, 2017
It was an honor to have had a man of such high integrity and family values cross paths with my life and the life of my son. My entire family has been touched by Garry and his sons. We pray for Sandra and the entire Hill family during this time of grief.
Mike Pursel
September 21, 2017
I did not know Mr. Hill, however I know 2 of his 3 sons and they are amazing men. Speaks very loud about what type of Father/Husband he must have been. Thank you for passing your wisdom and heart to your boys. You will be missed I am sure.
Petro Family
September 21, 2017
Mr Hill was a gentleman whose love for baseball was only surpassed by his love for his Family.
Be assured of our prayers for Coach Hill to be at rest with the Lord and for his family to find comfort during their time of mourning.
Neal Painter
September 21, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this news. Tonna and I love you and your family and are deeply saddened today. We pray that God in His mercy will assuage your grief. Garry is a beautiful man.
Jackie Bagwell Austin
September 21, 2017
Sandra I am so very sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. At Garinger everyone loved Garry. We will miss him.
Todd Hale
September 21, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hill Family. Always enjoyed being around and talking with Mr Hill. He raised three young men that I am proud to call friends.
September 21, 2017
Our family's thoughts & prayers for the Hill family. Mr. Hill's legacy lives on as my children are taught by his sons at ON DECK....great men, great dads, great teachers of life beyond baseball.
Love, the Kelleher family
Mark Mennitt
September 21, 2017
True gentleman, Great Father , Wonderful husband and Loyal friend . Baseball Lifer. My heartfelt Prayers are with the Hill family.
Steve Mcelduff
September 21, 2017
Played baseball with Gary on 65 garinger state champion team a great pitcher and a wonderful human being
Carol Carriker
September 21, 2017
Prayers to the Hill family. May your wonderful memories provide comfort to you all.
don thompson
September 21, 2017
Deepest sympathy to all the Hill family.Knew Garry at Garinger, one fine baseball player and person.
Harry Hutchison
September 21, 2017
Gary was always a gentleman's gentleman, possessed of a quiet deferential dignity, a man who always took joy in the achievement of others. His kind is all too rare these days. May he Rest in Eternal Peace, and may his wonderful family find the Blessed Assurance and Solace of God's Eternal Love.
Sandy Rorie
September 21, 2017
Our sympathy for your loss.
Susan Guilfoyle
September 21, 2017
Sending love and prayers to all. I love this family and will be praying for peace
Jerry Whitlock
September 21, 2017
Garry was one of the Kindest. A Gentle Giant and a Great Baseball Palyer-He will be missed
Ron and Brenda Sorrell
September 21, 2017
Praying for you all and have you in our thoughts. So sorry for your loss. Love
Brenda Brewer
September 20, 2017
My prayers are with Sandra and their sons. I know nothing that is said can heal their hearts but our loving God will hold them tightly in His arms as they grieve their terrible loss.
Brenda Freeze
September 20, 2017
My prayers are for the Grace and Peace of the Lord for Sandra, Jason, Kevin and Travis and their families.
God Bless you all!
Danny Hill
September 20, 2017
Praying for you all
Patty Clark
September 20, 2017
I was a 1969 graduate of Garinger, so I did not have the pleasure of knowing Garry. So proud this Wildcat left a legacy of helping young people and raising children to join him in works. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. God bless!
Gary Weart
September 20, 2017
Heaven has gained another angel that loves baseball and helping others. He was truly an ambassador of America's game and left his footprints on many hearts, including mine. It was an honor to know him and coach his son. Garry was forever humble, gracious, and always greeted me with a warm smile. My sympathy and love is extended to Sandy, Jason, Kevin, Travis and their families. The world is a better place because Garry Hill pitched a "perfect game" in the game life. May we all strive to emulate this exemplary gentleman and never forget this jewel of a man. God bless you kind servant. Well-done Sir! ❤
September 20, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers for the Hill family. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy, Harry and Gwen Hoover
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