Melvin D. Hill Jr.

Melvin D. Hill Jr., fondly remembered as a cherished father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at the age of 74 in Centralia, Illinois. Born on Wednesday, March 28th, 1951, he is the son of Melvin Dermot Hill Sr. and Ruby Louise (Carroll) Goldman. He married Nancy (Butler) Hill in 1994 and they later divorced.

Residing in Centralia for much of his life, Melvin made a significant impact on those around him. He dedicated many years of service as a dietician at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia, where his caring nature and dedication to wellbeing touched the hearts of many patients and colleagues alike.

Melvin was a man of many passions. An avid Cubs fan, he found immense joy in cheering his team on. He also delighted in the thrill of the race track, where he served as a crew chief, and relished in the serene beauty of the great outdoors through fishing, camping, and cookouts. His love for nature was matched only by the warmth of his hospitality and the laughter he shared with family and friends.

Melvin's memory will forever be cherished by his family, including his beloved children: son, Melvin Hill of Centralia; daughters, Lisa Crouch (Alvin) of Vandalia, Carol Martinez (Joe) of Henderson, KY, and Tina Ladner (Erik) of Vandalia; son, Michael Hill of Breese. He is also survived by his step-sons and step-daughter:, Scott Rhynes of Centralia, Billy Joe Doehring (Lyndsay) of Vandalia, Heath Ford (Mandi) of Carlyle, and Andre Ford (Kalee) of Hoffman and Malissa Ford of Carlyle. His sister, Sandra Royer (Doyle McMeen) of Mt. Vernon, and brother, David Hill of Centralia, along with several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, will hold his memory close.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jimmy Hill, and sisters, Brenda Hill, Elizabeth Behringer, and Missy Goldman.

Funeral services for Melvin D. Hill Jr. will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6pm at the Sutherland Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 4pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Melvin's life and the indelible mark he left on everyone he encountered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to honor Melvin's legacy and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.

Melvin leaves behind a testament of kindness and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire those who knew him. His smile, spirit, and dedication to family and community will remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of walking alongside him on his journey through life.