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BORN
1932
DIED
2024
Larry Hill Obituary
May 5, 1932 - August 1, 2024
Fresno, California - William Larimore "Larry" Hill, a gifted artist and writer, died August 1 at the age of 92. An army veteran and graduate of Fresno State, Larry established Art Trio, an innovative commercial art studio in downtown Fresno. In 1961, his paintings were sold at the Sidney Janis Gallery in New York alongside work by Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and Willem de Kooning. At a Fresno show, the great William Saroyan left him a note describing his work as "heroic." That word describes Larry; he was fearless in art and life.
Larry loved the Giants, books, films, jazz, Dylan, and cooking. He cherished his close friendships with Jim Alavezos, Mark Arax, and Bill Williams.
He was preceded in death by his father Theophilus, his mother Marie, his wife Joanne (the mother of his two sons), and his sister Regina Ashley. He is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 24 years, sons Kirk and Darren (Kristin), grandsons Evan (Melanie), Spencer, and Preston (Ashtin), five great-grandchildren, niece Beth Ashley-Gilbert (Robert), and nephew Tom (Madeline).
Like his paintings, Larry was an original. His memory and his art will live on.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Hill
Wesley Ward
July 27, 2025
I will always remember the great meals Larry put together so easily, yet always tasted so divine when I was in my adolescent years! He always treated me with a respect and kindness whenever we had a conversation. He was a man of many gifts and talents that I always admired and respected. Larry will always hold a place in my mind and heart from those youthful days from my timeless past.
W. Ward
Philip & Jo Kader
November 25, 2024
Our most sincere condolences to Larry´s family and close friends.
We attended an Art Hop event and met Larry and his wife. My wife and I were quite taken by his paintings and after talking with him we were invited to his studio. There we purchased a very large (4 feet by 6 feet) abstract named "Passage". We also purchased a water color piece.
When we would see him and his wife at events he always would come up to us and ask how are we doing and were we enjoying the two pieces we purchased.
He seemed to be a humble and caring individual that spent his later years doing what he so loved.
We proudly own two wonderful pieces of his and we display it as a testament to a wonderful Fresno artist and person.
Gayle Taylor Davis
September 26, 2024
Larry´s paintings told a story only he could tell. Each painting an electric shock that stopped you, drew you in, whispered and screamed its tale that changed you, made you think in different terms than you thought possible. How do you say condolences for one who is not gone, one who lives and breathes in every brush stroke and canvas. I will say "Carry on, Larry. Carry on."
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Jack hobson
August 9, 2024
Bonnie, sending you love and prayers from Boston. Hang in there my friend. Always thinking about you.
Jack Hobson
August 9, 2024
Bonnie. Sending you love and prayers from Boston. So sorry for your loss. I didn´t know Larry but I know you so he must have been awesome. Hang in there my friend. Always thinking about you.
Jack
Wes
August 7, 2024
Very sad to hear about Larry! I really enjoyed his personality and talents from those timeless Bullard days with the gang when we were all young.
Wishing Blessings to his family from a now aged old friend who will always have fond memories of those priceless good old days!
Wes Ward
Pat Marchese
August 4, 2024
So sorry in hearing of the passing of your father. Prayers for your entire family.
Elbie Groves
August 3, 2024
Larry was a very gifted artist and a true gentleman. He led a long and fruitful life and I am richer for being able to call him my friend. He will be missed by so many.
Jodi Fitzpatrick
August 3, 2024
The man, the myth, and now the legend. I treasure the two creations of his I have, his book of short stories and a painting. Bonnie, yours was a true artistic marriage, one in which both partners thrived, getting better and better to the very end. Brilliant and rare, just like you both. I remember Mark Arax called a number of years back and wanted my dad to get together with them to talk Old Fresno. My dad, ever the charming one, declined. I should have forced him. What a conversation that would have been. There is only so much time for these things. He will be very much missed, individually and in the community. Love to you.
Linda Van Zant
August 3, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Bonnie. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Linda (Van Zant)
Jeannie Erdman
August 3, 2024
Larry Hill family, so sorry and very sad to hear of Larry´ passing. What a wonderful life he had! His accomplishments were beyond amazing. Love you Bonnie, and am praying for you. May God bless you with His peace and comfort during this difficult time.
David J. Smith
August 3, 2024
Bonnie, Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time.
Linda vickers
August 3, 2024
Rest in Peace Mr. Larry while your memories live on... condolences to all your loved one.
Michaelsun
August 3, 2024
I only ever knew Larry by the love and support he had for you that let you be more fully present and full of love for all of us. My memories of him are in the brightness of your eyes, the clarity with which your smile and embrace--which are of a rare kindness and liberty--was maintained on the architecture of his care for you.
His absence will as surely make up the fabric of us all the way darkness makes up the fabric of a constellation, as surely as what we remember most about constellations is not the darkness but the light.
Much love to you and yours.
Bill Bruce
August 2, 2024
A good friend for many years, we shared a common love of abstract art and Subway sandwiches.
Brenda Allison
August 2, 2024
Bonnie, sending much love at this difficult time. I have such fond memories of Larry, he was the first person to show my art to the public. I will always be blessed to know him.
Vanessa
August 2, 2024
Loved working with and for Larry.
He will be missed. Beloved to the many of us who knew him.
Tonja Guerrero
August 2, 2024
My condolences to you and your family Bonnie. With love always from Georgia
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