Cleo Lee Hill Jr

Cleo Lee Hill, 89, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023. Cleo was born in Lafayette, Georgia to the late Cleo, Sr., and Edna Hill. Cleo grew up in Troy, Ohio where he maintains strong ties. He met his future wife, Chou (Eleanor) at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He majored in Geology and enjoyed life with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Cleo was a proud patriot and Vietnam veteran and the recipient of three Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam and Thailand. As an Intelligence officer specializing in reconnaissance aircraft, he served around the world in Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and several USAF bases. He also was a Strategic Missile Combat Crew Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane Washington during the Cold War.
Cleo settled in Redmond, Washington to raise his family. He taught briefly at the U.W. and then moved to New York Life for his second career. His merits with NYL include CLU, CHFC, LUTCF and the Million Dollar Round Table. However, he returned to military service with the Washington Army National Guard while working with NYL.
Cleo had a passion for community and served and played tirelessly with the Kiwanis Club where he served as treasurer, president and eventually Lt. Governor. Cleo relocated to Pensacola, FL in 2005 to enjoy life on the golf course. He continued to serve his community with the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon. He served as the meeting welcomer at every meeting for several years, always greeting members and guests with a smile and a story. Cleo also implemented a program for the club to keep in touch with any members who were ill to provide support. His love of golf contributed to the success of many successful fundraising tournaments benefitting kids' programs. Cleo was recently awarded the Kiwanis International Legion of Honor for over 55 years of serving the children of the world.
Cleo is celebrated by his strong community leadership and ties with his golf community and neighborhood friends.
Cleo is celebrated and loved by his children: Bradley (in WA), Holly (in AK) and his grandsons Stuart and Max and family in WA state: Melissa, Chelena, Michelle, and Shaun. Cleo was a dedicated family member who treasured playing in the woods and on the trails of Washington state. He was active with the local Boy Scout troop 550. He had been an Eagle Scout in Troy, Ohio and was proud that Bradley followed in his footsteps. He raised his children to appreciate and respect nature and was grateful to see his legacy live on with his children and grandsons whom he deeply loved. Many stories continue to be shared about Cleo's crazy adventures with his family and his friends. Cleo adored dogs and was never without a beloved pet at his side. Cleo possesses a strong, unique spirit and while we may miss his physical presence, we are blessed to know his spirit will always remain present. Cleo is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Chou (Eleanor) and his son Michael.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the local Humane Society or the Amazing Grace Bully Rescue.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy., Pensacola, Florida 32505 entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.