P. Ward Hill

Ridgeley, WV-
Dr. P. Ward Hill, 90, of Ridgeley, WV, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at home.
Born February 9, 1935, in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late Louis Russell Hill and Anne Ward Hill. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Logan and Theodore Hill.
Ward was a graduate of Penn State University, having earned BS and MS degrees in Agricultural Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics.
He began his career at the Hercules ABL plant in 1965, and continued as that company was purchased by Alliant Techsystems and later Northrup Grumman, serving in senior engineering positions in the Propulsion division. At Alliant's Bacchus works, he led the project to produce an advanced Space Shuttle solid rocket booster.
Ward had a love for vintage British sports cars. Over many years he restored three Jaguar XK-Es and two Austin Healey 100-4s; his 1954 MG-TF was a national award winner. He played a leading role in the Queen City Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, and he raced various cars as a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He also enjoyed sailing on Deep Creek Lake, Chesapeake Bay, and the Great Salt Lake.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Edith; two sons, David Hill and Paul Hill and wife Eleanor; four grandchildren, Jonathan Hill, Harsin Hill, Yelkin Hill, and Jose Montes.
Friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, Inc., Fort Ashby, WV, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 1PM – 3 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM, with Patrick Ashley, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Attn.: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 (preserve.nature.org).