Gerald Hill

Hill, Gerald Lynn (Jerry) The only child of Burt Francis Hill and Myrtie Woodruff Hill was born September 3, 1929 in Ferris, TX. He passed away on July 29th 20ll after a lengthy illness. He graduated from Adamson High School and attended SMU night school. He worked throughout high school at the old Starlight Operetta located at the State Fair as an usher and also ushered at the old Burnett Baseball field. He began full time work with the Dallas Times Herald as a reporter and weekly columnist. The Korean War interrupted and he enlisted in the Air Force and served as R & R planner while stationed in Bordeaux, France. After his discharge he returned to Dallas and worked for WBAP TV. He was always fascinated by police work and entered the Police Academy for the Dallas Police Department. His grade point average at the academy was the highest ever till just a few years ago. He was active in the Dallas Police Association, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for many years. He was a state lobbyist for the DPA for several years. Jerry made the history books during the unfortunate assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Following several leads, he first went to the Texas School Book Depository where he and 2 other officers found the shooter's perch and 3 spent shell casings. Then he was sent to the shooting site of Officer J. D. Tippit in Oak Cliff, and from there to the Texas Theatre where he and several of his fellow officers apprehended Lee Harvey Oswald. Jerry personally put the handcuffs on Oswald. Since his involvement he has been interviewed by many authors and many TV and radio news documentaries and was a witness for the Warren Commission. His initials are on the shells found at the scene of the Tippit shooting which are now in the Smithsonian Institute. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1979 having served 24 1/2 years at Dallas Police Department. Not believing in retirement, he continued a 40 year period as a Tax Consultant, owning and operating Hill's Tax Service. He was also a Dallas County Constable and the last 8 years of his life worked with the security staff at the Duncanville High School. During all this time he served the community of Duncanville in the Lion's Club, Friends of the Duncanville Public Library and the Duncanville Community Theatre. He was a City Council Member and served on several boards. He was a long time active member at Duncanville's First Baptist Church. Jerry loved the Lord, life, family, good times, traveling, good food, and when he was younger fishing and bowling. Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years Bobbye Myers, two sons, Russell (Rusty) and his wife Sandra and Richard (Randy) and his wife Bea. One daughter Cynthia Lynn deceased. Six grandchildren, Sadie, JR, Phillip, Charlie, Zack and Jacque and two great grandchildren; Connor and Karlie. A memorial service will be held at Duncanville's First Baptist Church, 323 W. Wheatland on Sunday, August 14th at 2:30pm. He willed his body to Southwestern Medical School. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Duncanville's First Baptist Church Annual Christmas Pageant in his memory.