Anthony "Tony" Hill

October 19, 1971 – February 21, 2026

Anthony Floyd "Tony" Hill entered this world on October 19, 1971, in Selma, Alabama, born to Tommie M. Hill and Elaine (Rivers) Hill. He entered eternal rest at the age of 54, leaving behind a life that quietly but profoundly touched many hearts.

Tony arrived earlier than expected, a small but determined three-pound miracle who came home with his family on Christmas Eve. From the very beginning, his life unfolded along a path marked by challenges. He was born profoundly deaf and lived with multiple disabilities. Doctors advised his family early on that he would not live past the age of five, but God intended Tony's life to become a powerful testimony of perseverance, love, and the value of every human life.

His family moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida in 1972 and later settled in Crestview, Florida in 1978, where Tony would make his home for many years. At just eleven months old, Tony underwent his first brain surgery, followed by more than thirty major surgeries throughout his lifetime. Through it all, he endured with remarkable resilience.

Tony's life was rich in ways that could not always be measured by words. He was known for his sweet smile, expressive eyes, playful spirit, and unmistakable independence. He communicated love, joy, and even disagreement with a strength all his own. Those who knew him understood that Tony had a way of speaking to hearts without needing words.

At the age of eleven, Tony accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized, shaped by the enduring faith of his mother, Elaine. Through her example, Tony learned to trust in God's sustaining grace that carried them both through years of trials, strengthening them to persevere with hope and love.

In 1980–1981, Tony served as a March of Dimes poster child for Northwest Florida, offering hope and encouragement to families facing similar journeys. He attended Edge Elementary, Valparaiso Elementary, Washington High School, and spent four years at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. He later participated in the Horizons Adult Day Program.

For a time, Tony lived independently, but as his health declined, he resided in group homes with full-time caretakers. For the past eight years, Silvercrest Rehabilitation became his home. There, in a smaller, close-knit setting, Tony was surrounded by caregivers who gave him not just care, but kindness, dignity, and the feeling of belonging.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Tommie M. Hill of Crestview, Florida; his maternal grandparents, Inez (Green) Rivers and Cecil Rivers of Pine Hill, Alabama; his paternal grandparents, Evelyn (Davis) Hill and Judge F. Hill of Selma, Alabama; and his uncles, James D. Hill of Thomasville, Alabama; Jimmy Rivers of Texas; and Rial C. Rivers of Texas.

He is survived by his loving and devoted mother, Elaine (Rivers) Hill of Crestview, Florida; his brother, J. Don Hill (wife Melissa) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; his sisters, Debbie (Hill) Thomas (husband Stanley) of Phenix City, Alabama, and Kimberly (Hill) Fessler of Wetumpka, Alabama; his aunts, Ida (Rivers) Brown of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Millie (Rivers) Fortunato (husband Joseph) of Shalimar, Florida; and Shirley Johnson of Arlington, Alabama; his uncles, Tommy Rivers of Crestview, Florida, and Ellis (wife Gayle) Rivers of Jackson, Alabama; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to carry his memory forward.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all who walked alongside Tony throughout his life: all those who prayed for him, cared for him, advocated for him, and loved him. Special thanks are extended to Vitas Hospice Care; the staff of Silvercrest Rehabilitation; Dr. Stephen Donchey; Dr. Lee Thigpen; Horizons Day Care; his special friend Cheryl Lawrence; Dr. Daniel Ross of Emerald Coast Neurology; Dr. Patrick Pritchard of UAB; and to the many physicians, nurses, social workers, interpreters, caretakers, and friends who were instruments of compassion and grace.

Tony's life was a gentle lesson in not judging by outward appearances, but in seeing with the heart. His journey, longer and fuller than anyone once imagined, stands as a quiet testament to endurance, the strength of love, and the sacred worth of every life. Now healed and whole, Tony rests in the peace of God, where his limitations have fallen away and his joy in Christ is now complete.

Private interment. Public Celebration of Life on Friday, March 6, with visitation at 12:30 pm and service at 1 pm, with ASL interpretation at Woodlawn Baptist Church. All attendees are invited to a "first food fellowship" after the service.

In lieu, of flowers please donate in Tony's name to Woodlawn Special Friends or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com