Elmer Nathan Hill Jr.

Hill - Elmer Nathan Hill, Jr., cherished son, brother, father, uncle, grandpa, papa, and friend passed away on September 28, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by family. He was 92 years old.

Born in Coleman, Florida to Elmer Nathan Hill, Sr. and Minnie Alice Bunn Hill on September 22, 1933. The only boy and youngest of four children, Elmer grew up understanding the importance of hard work, family, and helping those around you.

Elmer served our country in the United States Army. Retiring honorably after 17 years of service due to injuries sustained defending our freedoms. During his military service he earned a Silver Star Medal awarded for gallantry in action, the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded and actions that merit the Silver Star must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations other than the Medal of Honor or a Service Cross, a Purple Heart Medal presented for being wounded in action, an Army Good Conduct Medal awarded four times for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity, a National Defense Service Medal awarded two times for honorable active military service during a major conflict, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device awarded by the South Vietnamese government to members of the U.S. military for support of operations in Vietnam. Elmer was very proud of his grandsons that followed in his footsteps to serve our country in the armed forces.

Famous for his cooking, especially his smoked turkeys which he would distribute at Christmas, he would eagerly whip up a massive breakfast, lunch or dinner taking special requests. Elmer's favorite pastimes included boating, fishing, crabbing, water skiing, camping, mechanical work, and anything that involved working with his hands. Traveling was also something he enjoyed, and a favorite memory was when he packed up all 5 kids and took them across the country in a camper to see the Grand Canyon and many other sites. A few of the many things Elmer taught his children were how to cook, use tools, and the importance of education. He was a living example of determination, tenacity, fortitude, resilience, and good old-fashioned grit. Helping friends and family made him happy. Elmer will be dearly missed.

Elmer is survived by his five children, Rene Hill, James Hill, Rebecca Butler, Roberta Hamner, and Rachel Stancil; their mother, Shirlee Fallieres; 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Freida Shiferdek, MaryJane Albert, and Alice Hill.

The tribute above was prepared by Elmer's loving family.

A Celebration of Elmer's Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home, with Pastor Lyle Shiferdek, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Tison's Dunn Creek Cemetery where Elmer will be laid to rest next to his father, mother, and sister, Alice. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In Elmer's honor, the family will be wearing blue, his favorite color. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110.