ALBERT HILL

HILL ALBERT B. HILL, 81, known to his loved ones as "Bill", passed away on October 2, 2011 in Gilbert, Arizona with his son, Joseph, by his side. Raised in Cordele, Georgia, he was born on March 1, 1930 as the first son to Albert Buford and Edna Hill. He lived in El Paso, Texas for the last 5 decades of his life and raised his family there. Bill started his U.S. Army career posted in Japan. He bravely participated in the first combat jump in Korea as part of the 11th Airborne Division, was proud of his service as a master drill sergeant, and is remembered for his missile expertise as a Nike & Hercules technician. While stationed in Hawaii, he met and married Bessie Luke on April 11, 1959. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage prior to her passing in 1999. Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, Bill worked primarily in the insurance and banking industry and later enjoyed travel and exploring his hobbies. Always energetic, he raised turtles in his backyard, was a cat and dog enthusiast, enjoyed fishing excursions, but was known by most for his sharp wit and sense of humor. Albert Hill is survived by his siblings, Thelma and Charles; his daughters, Terry, Pamela and Kathleen; sons, Jon and Joseph; and grandchildren Brad, Mary, James, Kristine, Aaron, Sophie, Rachel, Carly, Luke, Kristen, and Robert. His ashes will be interred at 9 a.m., Monday, October 10, 2011 at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery (915.564.0201) with full military honors. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Lung Association.