Bryan Vance Hill

Bryan Vance Hill passed away on November 22, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, courage, and adventure that touched the lives of all who knew him. Born on April 3, 1966, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vance was a man whose dedication to his family, his country, and his faith was unwavering.

Vance's journey began as the cherished son of Bryan and Ann Hill, growing up with a foundation of strong family values that he carried throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Zeb and Ila Hill, Henry and Sara Lewis; and brother-in-law, Mike Morgan.

Colonel (Retired) Bryan Vance Hill honorably served over 37 years in the United States Army and the North Carolina Army National Guard, culminating in a distinguished career as a senior Army aviator, leader, instructor pilot, commander, and Counterdrug Coordinator. His military service began in 1985 when he enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard, and he later received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1989 through the ROTC program at Appalachian State University.

COL Hill completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course and earned his wings as an Army Aviator at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Over his aviation career, he became qualified in the AH-64 Apache, OH-58, C-26 Fixed Wing, and UH-60 Black Hawk, serving as both an instructor pilot and senior aviator. He completed numerous advanced aviation and leadership courses, including the Aviation Maintenance Managers Course, RAID Instructor Pilot Course, AH-64D Aviator Qualification Course, OH-58 Instructor Pilot Course, Combined Arms Exercise (CAX), and the Intermediate Level Education (CGSC) Course.

Throughout his career, COL Hill served in a broad range of key leadership and staff positions. His assignments included Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, S-1, Assistant S-4, Commander of B Company, Commander of the Reconnaissance Air Intra-Detachment (RAID), Safety Officer, Instructor Pilot, S-2 of the 449th TAB, S-3 of the 1-130th ARB, and S-4 of the 449th Aviation Brigade. He later served as HHC Commander of the 449th Aviation Group and as Current Operations Chief at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. His final assignment before retirement was as the National Guard Bureau Counterdrug Coordinator at National Guard Bureau Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, supporting nationwide Counterdrug operations.

COL Hill deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while assigned to the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team as the Brigade Aviation Officer in the newly formed Aviation Brigade Element (BAE). With his vast operational experience, he was moved to the Chief of Operations position (CHOPS) in the Brigade Tactical Operations Center (TOC), where he contributed to command and control of combat ground and aviation operations within the theater of support.

Vance served his state and nation with honor, humility, and unwavering commitment to Soldiers. His legacy endures through the countless aviators he trained, the missions he led, and the lives he impacted throughout more than three decades of dedicated service.

Vance held a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University and was a proud graduate of Cary High School. He was a devoted member of Millbrook United Methodist Church.

Vance found his greatest joy in the embrace of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl J. Hill, a bond that was a testament to unwavering partnership and mutual respect. Together, they raised three remarkable sons, Collin (Spenser) Bailey, Clayton Bailey, and Mason (Jaclyn) Hill, who carry forward his legacy of integrity and love. His father, Bryan Hill, and mother, Ann Hill, along with his sisters, Mandy (Patrick) Patterson and Cara (Will) Harman, will forever cherish the memories of a man who was both a guiding light and a source of unwavering support.

Vance's spirit will live on through his grandchildren, Finn, Emory, Bryce, and Callan, who will grow up hearing stories of their grandfather's adventures and learning from the example of his courageous life.

An adventurous soul, Vance's interests took him to the skies and across the great outdoors. He found solace in flying, feeling the freedom and peace that comes with soaring above the earth. His love for outdoor activities was evident in the meticulous care he took of his yard, the joy he found in building fires, and the satisfaction derived from cutting down trees. These simple pleasures were a reflection of a man who found contentment in nature's embrace.

Vance's passion for life extended to the smallest of creatures, as he took great pleasure in feeding and watering his hummingbirds. This gentle pastime was a symbol of his nurturing spirit and his appreciation for life's delicate beauty.

To say Vance was loving, adventurous, and courageous would be an understatement. He lived his life with a fervor that was contagious, a heart that was open, and a bravery that was unquestionable. His total dedication to God was evident in every aspect of his life, as was his profound love for his wife and family.

Vance's service to his country was driven by his belief in the greatness of the nation he was honored to protect.

As we bid farewell to Bryan Vance Hill, we reflect on a life well-lived, a man well-loved, and a legacy that will continue to inspire. His memory will be a beacon for all who seek to live with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the things that matter most. Vance will be dearly missed, but he will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in honor of Bryan to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or the Glioblastoma Foundation at www.glioblastomafoundation.org.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Army National Guard Flight Facility (AASF#1) at 2051 National Guard Dr. Morrisville, NC 27560.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.