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John Hill Obituary
April 16, 1950 - October 21, 2018
Raleigh
John Hill of Raleigh, NC passed away at the age of 68. Prior to 32 years serving his community as a State Farm Insurance agent, he played for 14 years in the NFL. He enjoyed working on the family horse farm, tinkering in his garage, golfing with his friends, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his dog Cooper. His family was the greatest joy of his life. He is survived by his wife, Denise Hill; daughters Lauren Haberkorn and Megan Dooner; son-in-laws Marc Haberkorn and Rob Dooner; and two grandchildren, Laney (3) and Gracelynn (4). He is preceded in death by his father, Otto Hill and his mother, Liz Hill of Raleigh, NC. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Soapstone United Methodist Church at 12837 Norwood Rd. Raleigh, NC with memorial service to immediately follow. Flowers are appreciated, or please consider donating to a cause close to John's heart, including The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at Johns Hopkins or the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Hill
Sponsored by Renaissance Funeral Home.
Adrienne Scurtu
September 28, 2020
You are sorely missed. You were such a wonderful insurance agent. We miss how you cared and how you took care of us. Prayers to family
Janice Shofner
February 3, 2019
Neil and I were so sorry to hear of John's passing...we just found out last week..no on in the neighborhood knew about this..lots of sympathy for you. Last time I saw John he was painting the front door..we had no idea he was ill. Janice
Mike Morrison
November 5, 2018
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Such a great guy. He was not just my State Farm agent for over 30 years, but he was my friend. Always such a positive force. I always really enjoyed and will remember my talks with John. My prayers go out to his family!!
MaryAnn Ciprian
November 5, 2018
Am so sorry for your loss. John was my agent for many years. He always looked out for me when it came to insurance. He will be missed. Ciprian Family
Michele Vollero Davis
November 5, 2018
To John's family. My prayers are with all of you. I just received my letter telling me that John had passed I've been a customer since I came to Raleigh in 1989 and even though I barely really ever saw him he always remembered who I was . He had a great sense of humor and I'm sure he will be missed very much by all his family and friends. My sincere condolences.
Kristy Sichak
October 27, 2018
Some people have work husbands but I had a work Dad. John gave me my first big girl job and was the absolute best boss that I could ever dream of. John walked in the door every day with a Hey Buddy a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Often times I would go sit in Johns office and chat about life and get some good advice. John wasn't only my boss but he was my friend. John also had a hand in me and my husband meeting which I will forever be grateful for. Even after leaving State Farm John and I kept in touch whether through text or a phone call. Every time I talked to John recently he would always tell me he had lived a great life but to please pray for Denise. That right there tells you what an amazing man he was. I will greatly miss our chats but take comfort in knowing I will see him again, until then rest easy Buddy.
Joe and Renee Sheridan
October 27, 2018
Denise and family,
What a dear man John was. When I would call the office he always made me smile when he picked up the phone and said Hi Buddy, How ya doing? He would always take the time to catch up on family news. In 30 years we followed each others kids through college, weddings, and the birth of our grandchildren. He spoke of all of you with such pride and love.
Joe and I hadnt spoke with John in several months and were heartbroken to hear this news. You have our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May Gods Love and Grace create a warm and peaceful place in your hearts.
John,
Joe and I will miss you Buddy.
Deborah Blain
October 27, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the Hill family. John will always be a SAINT in our hearts. May he RIP in Who Dat heaven.
Hal Wright
October 27, 2018
I lived in New Orleans 52 years and am a Saints fan since their birth. I recall fondly John's talent and leadership. I came to Raleigh after Katrina. I am so sorry I did not know he was here for I am a State Farm customer. I would have loved to meet him and give him my business support.
Henry Poole
October 27, 2018
A wonderful, caring and loving man. We will all miss you
Sarah Kearney
October 27, 2018
I remember my mom had called John's office regarding business. She had told him about my getting married. John had her hand me the phone and he was telling me about how he remembered me when I was about 5 and practically watched me grow up. I could hear his smile in his voice. John ALWAYS took the time to be your friend and to catch up with you. He will be remembered with smiles in my heart. My thoughts are with his family.
October 26, 2018
Denise, Lauren & Megan, We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. As a past neighbor, we'll remember John by his kind, laid back demeanor, riding his tractor and his morning walks with his cup of coffee. May God bless you in this difficult time. Marv and Lesia Monfre, Sunset, SC
Laurel MacKenzie Seese
October 26, 2018
Thinking back with fond memories of all of us growing up on Emerson Road. John was the big brother the MacKenzie girls never had and the son Helen and Bill MacKenzie never had. He was our hero and a gentle giant. With sympathy to the entire Hill family.
Denise Leverett
October 26, 2018
Denise I am so sorry to hear about John. He was such a wonderful person and always smiling. My blessings and prayers go out to you and the girls. John was such a cool guy. I remember the first time I met him was at your sister's wedding. He was so big from playing football and I think David and him polished off a whole tray of finger sandwiches just standing there talking. I know he will be dearly missed. God Bless you and the girls & may God keep you close to him through this trying time. Love you guys.
mike lazar
October 26, 2018
I go back to 1955, Johnny was my next-door neighbor and best friend growing up. Hiking in the ravine in the backyard, building tree forts, walking our dogs (his was Rinnie for Rin tin tin), Sunday school, waiting for the school bus, pretty much everything. In 1972 when he got his signing bonus, we drove over to highland park and bought a 240Z in cash, wow!
Last time I saw him was in 1978, never got to meet his wife. As kids we always assumed we*d be at each other's wedding, never happened. So, with that, I send my condolences to his wife, but also to Katy and Jim.
I can see Johnny walking Rinnie right now in the ravine. Maybe in 20 or 30 years I can join him.
John 3 16
Jim McCleary
October 26, 2018
It was 32 years ago when John moved here from New Orleans and joined us at State Farm. Even though my heart is hurting now, I take comfort in the first hand knowledge that he was a great husband and father. And a wonderful friend. God's Blessings to Denise, Lauren & Megan. John was a wonderful man and I will miss him greatly.
Terry Novak
October 25, 2018
I am very sorry that I could not be there for the services to celebrate John's life and share our memories and stories together. introduced me to the merry band of golfing brothers that included my dear friend, and golf partner, John Hill. I had the pleasure to spend over 4 years as John's driver on the golf course as I always had to drive the golf cart and John always had to ride with me every Saturday and Sunday that we played. NowOur playing partners will tell you that this arrangement was so that John could control my temper on the golf course, but John would tell you that it was because he liked the way I drove and hated the way everyone else drove, especially distracted Mike. By the wayI have the same arrangement with my golf partner in Charlotte so, John must have been right! Over the course of almost 4 years, John and I spent a lot of time in the golf cart talking about family, life, football and, sometimes our great (but mostly mediocre) golf shots and got to know each other very well. John had more impact on me than my golfing brothers probably realize in that I was recently divorced and living the single life but knew I wanted to find my true life partner. Hearing John talk about his wonderful life with, and love for, Denise made me realize what I wanted and the man I needed to be to make that happen thank you John because as you all know I found that in Julie.
Like all of you, I will miss John terribly, but I will always have him in my heart and in my mind. He was a great friend, husband, father and grandfather!
God' speed my friend and I will ride with you again!
Tonya Jasmin
October 25, 2018
You will truly be missed. You are truly a gentle giant, one of a kind. You inspired and influenced me in so many ways. My heart is broken and aches for your family. Denise, Megan and Lauren I am truly so very sorry for your loss. John was a great man, his spirit will live on forever. I have such fond memories of your husband and father. He was and will always be the best boss I ever had. I have so many fond memories of him, the pranks I played on him, my first day on the job to last day I worked for him. The world lost an angel and heaven gained a saint. I am truly heartbroken over the loss of the best boss in the world. Through the tears of this post, I recall the great times we had, the pranks and jokes were never ending. I recall the last conversation I had with John not to long ago. We reminisced about my first day on the job, the pranks , jokes and fun. We talked in length about you guys and how very proud he was of each and everyone of you, his grandchildren, his love of his beloved wife. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan Petty
October 25, 2018
John will be so missed ... always loved his smile and the 'twinkle' in his eyes!! John was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend ... and 'farm hand'!! Glenn, Cam and I send all our love and prayers, Joan
Steve Bigach
October 25, 2018
John was a great teammate and a role model for all of us at Lehigh University back in the 70s. We followed his career with pride and admiration. RIP John!
Steve Bigach
Lehigh '75
Chad Mastny
October 24, 2018
John,
It was a great privilege to know you since my family moved here over 30 years ago. Your genuine smile and handshake always made it a joy to come by for a visit in your office. You will be deeply missed my friend.
Denise and family,
May the Mercy, Love and Grace of Jesus Christ comfort you in your time of loss and sorrow.
Stuart Bayne
October 24, 2018
From a friend and brother in the Chi Psi bonds. I remember your smile just as it is shown right here. God Bless, John.
Randy Wilson
October 24, 2018
I was living in New Orleans when John was playing for the Saints. Met him a couple of times at my gym and looked him up when I moved to Raleigh. Super nice guy. May he rest in peace. Randy Wilson
Dave, Heather, Trevor and Nicole Newhouse
October 24, 2018
We love you, uncle John. Thanks for all the love, laughs, and smiles.
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