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Winston Hill
1941 - 2016
Winston Hill
1941 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Winston Hill Obituary
In a news release, the team's owner, Woody Johnson, said Hill was "one of the Jets' all-time greats."
"I was very sad to hear of the passing of Winston Hill," Johnson said. "He was our most decorated player with a franchise-record eight all-star game appearances. And as accomplished as he was on the field, he was an even better person whose profound impact on his teammates and those who came in contact with him left an impression for a lifetime.
"He was the type of man who, if you were his friend, you thought you were his best friend."
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Hill was born Oct. 23,1941, in Joaquin, Texas. Although he played tennis in high school, he ended up playing college football at Texas Southern University before he was drafted by Baltimore in the 11th round of the 1962 NFL draft. The following year, he switched to the Jets the day after he was released. He never looked back.
Hill still holds the Jets' record among offensive linemen for having played 195 consecutive games. That streak continued even through the 1965 season, when Hill broke a leg before the season started. Hill was an eight-time All-Star, a franchise record.
"Winnie was like my brother," former center John Schmitt said on the Jets' website. "He was a terrific football player. His heart was as big as his body. He did not have a bad thing to say about anyone. I am going to miss that turkey."
After retiring from football, Hill opened Winston Hill's BBQ restaurant in Centennial, Colorado.
68 Entries
Hovlyn (Holly) Hill-May
September 2, 2021
I am Hovlyn Hill-May, to some of you Holly. Today I missed my parents. This has been a year with Winston's posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame and his induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame. I wish they were here. I just re-read all of the kind words written. This Guest ook is a treasure. My Dad is still paying it forward with his Winston Hill Finish Like a Pro Endowed Scholarship at Texas Southern University in Houston, Tx for juniors and seniors who are trying to finish like pros in the fields of sports medicine, physical therapy, physical education, neurological and physiological studies. Always Pround to Serve and that's how we will continue his legacy. My Mother, Carolyn and my Dad, Winston were inimitable and such an example. Thank you, all.
Amy Landry
December 21, 2020
They couldn’t have worded it any better If Winston was your friend you definitely felt like he was your best friend I had the pleasure of meeting Winston in Denver CO at his restaurant in the airport and he left such an imprint on me that I’ll Always think of Winston as a True Friend he was such a kind hearted Man anyone who knew him or he touched their life will truly miss him, May Winston Rest In Peace and I’m so sorry for his Families loss I had been out to CO for a few years so I didn’t know of his passing but I am thinking of y’all.
Andrew Spence
August 9, 2019
I knew Winston when he joined Tiger Kim's Tang Soo Do Academy. He was truly a gentle spirit.
Liz Finnie-Morgan
January 30, 2019
My love ones,
Lost touch over the years since I last saw your Mom and Dad. My how time goes by. Our friendship stem for more than 40 years. How I miss them both. I look forward to seeing them both on a beautiful paradise earth without any pain and sickness. I love you guys, Hollie, Heather, and Mark......Auntie Liz
How you can show support
January 19, 2018
Thank you all for these kind remembrances. We love and miss our parents Carolyn and Winston tremendously. We are grateful you took time share your thoughts and memories. They bring us comfort yet. Sincerely, The Hill Children, Hovlyn, Heather and Marc.
Wendell White
October 24, 2016
I can vouch what has been posted about Winston's smile, his memory for faces and names and how he always made me feel special. I first met him at his BBQ on Colo Blvd. When I mentioned having worked at the pottery across the street from the Namath home in Beaver Falls, Pa he had stories about Joe Namath to tell. And whenever he saw me in line for some BBQ he made a special point to greet me.
When he moved his BBQ to Southglenn I didn't get to see him so often.
He made the world around himself a better place.
Bruce Warner
October 16, 2016
I met Winston when I first came to Colorado in late august, '81 when I lived for 2 yrs at 756 S Colorado Blvd. across the street from your 'BBQ Pit Resturant. I think he smiled at all his customers so I got to know him quickly. I told him I never followed football growing up but knew his name well. I still remember his one photo on the wall sitting on the bench during a game next to Joe Namath. One day a stone was thrown at my window of my apartment, when I looked out, it was Winston out front, he had locked himself out of the building where he had an apartment he used as an office and crash pad, we had always laughed at that. As an airline employee I'de seen him at Stapleton and DIA tending to his BBQ at the restaurants there. Never did he greet me without a smile on his face over the years. Thanks for the memories Winston, I shall never forget, and I'll always remember you anytime I eat BBQ, no matter who's it is, though I'll say "Winston Hill BBQ mo-Betta." Sincerely and with love, Bruce Warner/Aurora, Co.
Kayla Mileusnich
October 13, 2016
I was very fortunate to meet Mr Hill when I was in high school. He was our speaker at our FCA banquet. He was such a kind and godly man. He took time to speak with each of us that night and took so many pictures! A true inspiration!
Marylou Lockhart
August 30, 2016
My friend from 1987 when you bought me cat fish dinner in your Colorado Blvd. restaurant because, you lost the bet. I gave birth to a boy.I thought of you often.
July 21, 2016
May the Almighty God of comfort be with family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God love and care for you.
Beth VanSchaick
June 3, 2016
I met Mr Hill when his daughter, Holly, & I shared a hopital room. He was a very warm, family man. My condolances go out to his family. It was an honor, to have met him.
May 31, 2016
I added a memory to the guest book but don't know if it got entered correctly. Met him Mother's Day at Cattlemen's in Greeley. Very nice man. We visited for quite a while. He introduced me to his family, his daughter who is on Broadway with "PHantom of the Opera". Janice Sommerfeld 970-330-8396
May 13, 2016
"The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray hair." Proverbs 20:29...
His dedication and commitment for football and sports was distinguishably admired by friends, family, and others... My sincere condolences for your loss. May the comfort and strength form our loving God be granted to you.
Kuwasha Jackson
May 10, 2016
M'y warmest condoléances to thé family. Sincerely Kuwasha Jackson
Larry W. Osborne
May 4, 2016
When I first came to Gladewater to teach school in the mid sixties, one name I heard repeated frequently was WINSTON HILL, the son of Reverend Garfield and Eulalia Hill. Through the years I have greatly admired his success in athletics and in life.
Today I am grieved that he has left us, but I rejoice in knowing that he is now home in that beautiful Celestial City.
When our grief seems almost too much to bear and we are weighed down with heavy care, Jesus whispers, "Peace."
May you, dear ones, sense that sweet peace as you reflect back upon the precious and cherished memories of Winston.
May God bless you, one and all.
R
May 4, 2016
To The Family Of Winston Hill
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strengthen you now and in the days ahead. My hope is that you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God promised that no one will say they are sick anymore in Paradise on Earth.
Council Rudolph
May 3, 2016
Winston will be missed. Great Man,Great Player.In Prayer for the Family
Dawn ("Patsy") Bookhardt
May 3, 2016
Winston Hill was our neighbor in Greenwood Village when I was growing up. I babysat his daughters Heather and Holly and helped Carolyn take care of them. They were good girls and they had great parents. Winston was always so kind to me - "Look out for my girls," he'd tell me before he and his beautiful wife would step out. What a man! Always polite, handsome, smart and kind. He never let fame go to his head; he just remained humble and straightforward. I admire him as a father, a brilliant businessman, a role model and a really good person. He will definitely be missed.
May 2, 2016
I worked for Joe Namath's Camp at Nicholas college in Mass. A true gentleman and professional. Worked well with coaches, players and made the two weeks so very special in my life.R.I.P.
Harry Catanzaro
Greenwich Ct
Brian Riley
May 2, 2016
The Riley family is very sorry to hear of Mr. Winston Hill's passing. Winston coached our son Garrett Riley for three years at the Joe Namath Football Camp in Danbury Conn. We have a picture of he and Garrett which he autographed in our home. From our family to yours pleased accept our heart felt condolences for Mr. Hill. He made such a positive impression on our son who is devastated by the news. Coming from the Boston area, Winston knew that we were Patriots fans, but were Jets fans because of Winston as well.
Brian, Doreen, Garrett and Evelyn Riley
Glenda Davis
May 2, 2016
May God Bless, My Prayers are with the Winston Hill Family. Remember that behind each dark cloud, the sun is still Shinning. Glenda Davis; Pittsburg, Texas
Gwen Karl
May 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 2, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time and days ahead.
Robert Bunch
May 1, 2016
Heather, Holly, and Family,
There is no sorrow God cannot heal. Though your hearts are void of one who's heart was so big, God is able to fill that void with the love of his heart. And though you have been out of our sight for a while, you have not and will not be out of our thoughts and prayers.
Keith Fowler
May 1, 2016
I met Winston while working with the Denver Police Department. We would eat at his BBQ place at 8th/Colorado Blvd. He was such a jovial, and outgoing guy. He would always take time to come and talk with us. I will miss his smile!! God bless you and your family. RIP Winston!! It was an honor to know you.
Sandra Richardson
May 1, 2016
May God bless and keep you
ronnie wells
May 1, 2016
Winston was just like family to us and he will be missed dearly. May God bless his children love you
Melodie Valley
April 30, 2016
I am sending my sincere condolences to your family....may you find comfort in this thought found at Isaiah 61: 1,2 which reads, in part, "God sent His son to bind up the broken-hearted and to comfort those who mourn." I am so sorry for your loss of such a terrific and thoughtful man.
Gregory Boyd
April 30, 2016
To The Winston Hill Family please accept my condolences on the passing of Winston he was a great man and loved by everyone whom met him, my name is Greg E. Boyd formerly of The Denver Broncos Football Club I remember meeting Winnie back in the 1980's I owned a white convertible Cadillac Eldorado and I think Winston loved that car even more than I did and he convinced me to sell it to him, I will miss Winston Hill such a wonderful God fearing man. Peace
Hughie Allen
April 30, 2016
A great man from a great family! I have known this family all my life. Mrs Hill, The Coles and the other sister and family members, remember God is Still on the Throne and can\will take care of You!
Brenda Pratt
April 30, 2016
It was once said of Winston: "He never had anything bad to say about anybody." Such a reputation is an extraordinary feat within itself. Jesus must have had Winston in mind when he spoke the words at Luke 23:43. Personally, I hope to see him in Paradise. In loving memory of Winston Hill, a legend!
April 30, 2016
What a wonderful man Mr. Hill was. Such a warmhearted person that anyone can call him his best friend! May al the friends and family of Mr. Hill find comfort and strength through our Heavenly Father. Philippians 4:6,7 and Psalms 37:10,11
Sylvia Bookhardt
April 30, 2016
Heather and Holly,
I am so encouraged by the lives of both of your parents! Although I haven't seen you for years, you are both near and dear to my heart. God bless.
Richard McHugh
April 30, 2016
A great, great NY Jet star! He was beloved!
E.J.
April 29, 2016
To the Hill Family.
May you have peace from God and our Lord Jesus Christ.-- 1 Timothy 1:2. Winston will be missed.
Rachel Christian-Pierce-Afonja
April 29, 2016
To the Hill Family, My heart goes out to you in the loss of Winston. A real gentleman. I am an old classmate from Weldon High, Gladewater, Tx.God will comfort you as only He can.
Robert Clark
April 29, 2016
To Carol and Family. I'm so sorry to hear about Winston's death. I met him in the summer of 1969 after the Jets won the SB. You two lived at 13th and Garfield and I at 14th and Garfield. He and I had so much fun riding our motorcycles together. I also remember when he tried teaching you to ride my 350cc Honda. I had seen him throughout the years at his BBQ and he always insisted I never pay. He was such a fine man. You all knew and called me Q. I will remember both of you always.
Karen Beck
April 29, 2016
I met this special man 18 months ago at Swedish Medical Center when my husband and his wife were in the Critical Care Unit. He was so kind each day as we visited; he always asked how things were going and how I was. One day Winston walked into the waiting room, smiled, hugged me and handed me a Joe Namath summer camp t-shirt from the program for kids he was involved with for so many years. I will treasure it always! Winston was one of "the good guys" and will be greatly missed by sooo many. I'm sure God had a special place prepared for him in heaven! Thank you Winston for your kindness, love, and support during a very difficult time for my family. My prayers go to his family as they grieve a very special man! Karen Beck and Family
T. McGuire
April 28, 2016
May God's promise found at Psalm 46: 1 be of comfort to the family during this difficult time.
Owen Beaver
April 28, 2016
For many years , I carried Winston Hill's mail in Greenwood Village, Colorado. From the time he moved in, it was he who made me feel like a friend and not just his mailman. He introduced me to BROADWAY JOE and again he made ME feel like one of his friends. Years later, I would see him or his wife at B's Auto Service in Englewood and again that very warm feeling of friendship came from both of them. This man's name and picture should be in every NFL locker room with a sign saying, " THIS GENTLEMEN.... IS HOW YOU ARE TO ACT ON AND OFF THE FIELD, PERIOD !" And to his children, you guys had a wonderful Mom & Dad. God Bless.
Earlyne Rand and Joseph W. Clift
April 28, 2016
To Mrs. Hill-Allen and the Hill family:
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Winston's passing. We knew him to be a "quiet gentleman" and a thoughtful person. May God's grace and peace comfort you in this time of great personal loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ross
April 28, 2016
To the Hill :family,friends,colleagues and fans.Thank you for sharing him with us, his skills on the field will be missed. May the God of comfort and
strengthen you in the difficult days ahead.
April 28, 2016
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Winston's great legacy will surely be remembered. Those who fall asleep in death, God keep in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15
Please accept our sincerest condolences the Presutti Family
April 28, 2016
My condolence to the family. God understands your grief and cares. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
April 28, 2016
Truly saddened to hear about Winston Hill's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise.
-Luke23:43
M Jones
April 28, 2016
May the God of all comfort you in this time of sorrow. 2Corithians 2:13
JE Jackson
April 28, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hill. May the God of comfort and peace strengthen you during this difficult time.
Harry Simpson
April 27, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Verge Brinson
April 27, 2016
The death of a love one is a painful ordeals that we can experience and at time the loss can be unbeareble for some. May your memries of him and the God of comfort help all the Winston Hill family and friends get through this most difficult time. Psalms 46:1; God is our refuge and strength , A help that is readily found in times of distress .
S S
April 27, 2016
My condolences go to the family and dear friends of Mr. Winston Hill. May the God of all comfort be with you.
william joyce
April 27, 2016
Broke his leg and still played the season,my kind of football player RIP
CHARLES POWELL
April 27, 2016
What a great, lovable person! I worked with him many years!
Johnson
April 27, 2016
Our deepest condolences go out to the family. May the God of all comfort provide strength and peace during this difficult.
Adrian Barnette
April 27, 2016
We'll miss you !
April 27, 2016
My condolences to the family and friends. May the God of peace help you through this difficult time Phillipians 4:6,7.
G. Freeman
April 27, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
wallace marribitt
April 27, 2016
Winston...THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES....God rest you soul...jets...jets...jets
Rick
April 27, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the HILL FAMILY in their time of grief. Please find comfort in these words: "while you throw all your anxiety on him[God], because he cares for you."
April 27, 2016
Always keep the good times and fun memories that family and friends had together. God love and care for you,
April 27, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time.
April 27, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
K Jackson
April 27, 2016
I am sorry for the loss of such an accomplished football player and an even greater person. May the qualities he displayed continue to affect his family and friends. Look to the future to see him again as we all have the opportunity to grow to perfection without ever dying.
April 27, 2016
I know this is a difficult time for your family and I would like to offer my sincere condolences. I would also like to encourage you to continue to look to the God of comfort to help you get through this time.
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