Richard Calvin Hill

Richard Calvin Hill, 70, of Liberty, Tennessee, passed away on February 16, 2026. Born February 7, 1956, in Groveport, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Spence, and his daughter, Angela Draese.

He is survived by his son Richard (Janita) Hill; his adopted mother Jeanne Carnes; his father Frank Davis Jr; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and close friends Jerry Strait and Paul Reed.

Richard always felt a call to duty, he proudly served two enlistments in the U.S. Marine Corps as an anti-tank rifleman. He spent his 18th birthday on a ship in the Gulf of Tonkin waiting to see if he was going into combat. Fortunately, that was not the case. Following his service, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven College.

It was about that time when he decided on a career path, Inspired by his father’s experience as an amputee, and his guidance in the field. Richard built a year career crafting and fitting orthotics and prosthetics, dedicating himself to improving the lives of his patients. Richard’s love of others and helping people coincided with his love of working with his hands. This what he loved to do.

A lifelong adventurer and thrill seeker, Richard completed more than 420 skydives, became a static line instructor, and performed notable jumps including a HALO jump and the famed DB Cooper jump, where he jumped from the rear air stairs of a Boeing 727. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking his children canoeing, shooting with his daughter little “Angie Oakley”, and spending time with his family—especially visiting his grandchildren.

When his son was young, he bought a 1996 Camaro. He would make trips to pick him up in Memphis and travel back-and-forth to his home in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. Hundreds of hours were spent together in this car over the course of several years when Rich was old enough, his dad gave it to him. They replaced the engine together and did other maintenance and upgrades to it.

Always handy, Richard frequently helped friends and family with building projects and embraced a homestead lifestyle after moving to Cannon County, he learned that he could hunt right off his back porch, resulting in a deer off the ridge. It was here he met his favorite neighbor and all his friends on the mountain.

Known for his extroverted nature and quick humor, he loved to “harass” his friends and give everyone a hard time. He loved to talk with anyone, joking and sharing his unique sense of humor. He never met a stranger in his life and had friends all over the globe. Among his other talents was a love for Music and playing the harmonica. He often played during informal jam sessions with friends.

Though not aligned with organized religion. He did have a knowledge of the Bible and a relationship with God. This helped him to deal with his declining health over the last few years of his life. Thankfully, his faith in God paired with Richard’s stubbornness, and with the help of family and friends, this got him through the toughest of times.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28,2026 from 12:00 to 2 pm. A celebration of life will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. The American Legion Honor Guard will present funeral honors. He will be interred in the Middle Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery in Pegram, Tennessee. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.