Van Hill Sr.

Van Turner Hill, Sr. CHARLOTTE - Van Turner Hill, Sr., the son of the late Millie and Van Hill, died peacefully December 15, 2015, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. Van was born in Atlanta September 23, 1951. He moved to Charlotte as a young child and always considered himself a native Charlottean. Van grew up in an idyllic time and place. As the oldest of three boys, he was a typical, 'slightly mischievous but nothing too serious' child and teen. At 16 Van started a lifelong love of cars. His first cars included a Nova, GTO, and Corvair as well as his father's old Packard. Throughout his life Van could glance at a car and immediately tell you its make, year, and model. Van attended Charlotte Mecklenburg schools and graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1969. For a brief period he attended Christchurch School in Rappahannock, VA where he learned to sail. Sailing continued to be his passion into his 20's and 30's. Van was a graduate of Wofford College. To this day his Sigma Nu brothers remain among his closest friends and he has had a reunion with them at Camp Nakanawa every Labor Day for the past 34 years. Van began his career working with his father at Hill-Whisnant Textile Machinery, travelling to Central America selling used machinery. His second career was in real estate, selling residential real estate with H.Y. Dunaway before moving into property management. In 1997 Van began his third career at Christ Episcopal Church. Although his title was Facilities Manager, Van was much more than that: he was the social director, lunch buddy, and genuine friend to the staff. Although an avid bridge player for most of his life, Van found his calling in teaching beginner bridge 10 years ago. This blossomed into several organized bridge groups and countless individuals learning or relearning to play bridge. To an outsider it may sound strange to understand this being Van's ministry, but those who have been a part of this will attest to it. Van's story would not be complete without mentioning his love of food and enjoying a meal with whoever his dining buddy happened to be. He loved to try new restaurants and someone recently described him as the original Yelp. Even though Van had many interests, they all took a backseat to his family; his wife Kate, a daughter Laura and son Turner. He had a standing weekly dinner date with Laura and Turner until they went away to college, and picked it up again once they graduated and returned to Charlotte. In addition to his wife and children Van is survived by Laura's husband, Sean Dunning; brothers Scott Hill and Craig Hill, his wife Claudia and their daughters Cameron and Caroline; an aunt, Betty Thomas of Wilmington; and his dog, Raisin. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his "second mama," Sophie Blackmon. The family would like to thank the staffs of 7F and the Hospice unit at Novant Hospital. Also a special thanks to Drs. Gardiner Roddey and Stuart Garner for their compassion and caring. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, December 18th, at 11:00 am with a visitation immediately following the service. Please consider a gift to Christ Episcopal Church or the Charlotte Humane Society. Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service is serving the family www.throbertson.com.