Bobby Joe Hill

Bobby Joe Hill, 88, of Lake City and Orlando, FL entered into Heaven on October 27, 2025. He was born in 1937 to Joseph and Margaret Hill of Calhoun County, AL. After graduation from Oxford HS ('55), Mr. Hill enlisted in the U.S. Army (101st Screaming Eagles), and also served in the U.S. Air Force and the Army Reserves.
Mr. Hill went on a blind date in 1962, and shortly thereafter, married Gerry Ann Meadows. They lived in Haines City, FL while he attended Polk Community College. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Education from FTU and taught math and science classes at Howard Jr. High in Orlando. Upon earning a Master's degree in Guidance & Counseling from Rollins College, he served as the school guidance counselor at HJH and also Lockhart Middle School. He was a graduate of the Counseling Enrichment Program sponsored by Focus on the Family and Azusa Pacific University. After retiring, he faithfully served as a volunteer at Lake Silver Elementary School working with physically impaired children. The deep friendships he made as an educator continue today.
The Hills always enjoyed entertaining friends at their home on the lake in Orlando. They shared many hobbies including gardening, antiquing, and traveling. They loved vacationing at their home on the river in North Carolina and made many lifelong friends while attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Canton. Mr. Hill was also a faithful servant and deacon in his home churches – Liberty Baptist Church and Conway First Baptist Church – in Orlando. In 2023, he and Gerry relocated to Lake City and enjoyed sweet fellowship with those at Northside Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hill is survived by youngest brother, Tony, and nieces and nephews in Florida and Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Sonny, Allen, and Kenneth; and sisters: Deany and Joyce.
Mr. Hill had a servant's heart and spent his life pouring into the lives of others – especially the Hill's "adopted families" – and he will be missed by his "children": Brenda Wilson (Virgil), Muffet Hughes (Clyde), Thu Scott (Eric), and Thinh Rappa (Jason), and the "grandchildren".er
Mr. Hill lived his life practicing his Christian faith through showing love to everyone and quietly meeting the needs of others. He leaves all of us his legacy of love and servanthood and is now rejoicing in the promises of our Lord, Jesus Christ in Heaven, where we will reunite with him one day.
Psalm 23:1
Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
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