Robert Johnson Hill

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Robert Johnson Hill, better known as Johnny, passed from this life into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Johnny was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. Born in Jackson, TN on December 22, 1951 to Robert Lee and Joanne Johnson Hill, Johnny grew up in a loving home with his sister, creating a multitude of stories of adventure that he often told his children and grandchildren.

Johnny leaves behind a legacy in his 5 children and their families: Joyelle (Heath) Hudson of Cookeville; Wesley Hill of Durango, Colorado; Sawyer (Ellen) Hill of Maryville, TN; John Houston (Amanda) of Kodak, TN; and Jessah (Cody) Hatfield of Cookeville. He was affectionately known as Grandpa to Eli, Isabelle and Noah Hudson; Jaxon and Rennon Hill; Deacon and Caroline Hill; Kennedy and Asher Hill; and Charlee Mae and Ginny Ruth Hatfield. Johnny also leaves behind his close sister and best friend and brother-in-law, Judi (Steve) Lewis of Bowling Green along with his very special nieces and nephews and their families. 

Johnny moved to Cookeville with his family in 1965 when his father, known as Bobby Hill, opened and managed the original Holiday Inn. Johnny immediately began working in the hotel as a dishwasher, continuing to work his way up into management. Graduating Putnam County Senior High School in 1969, Johnny spent a brief period at Jackson Community College before returning to Cookeville to pursue a career in hotel management. After serving 35 years at the hotel in Cookeville, Johnny moved to Pigeon Forge, TN in the Fall of 2000 where he continued his career as the General Manager of Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. While in Pigeon Forge he was active in Rotary Club and served on the Pigeon Forge Hotel Motel Lodging Association, the Tennessee Hotel Lodging Association and the Industrial Board. Throughout his career, Johnny received many awards and accolades, including Tennessee Hotelier of the Year in 2014. On April 3, 2019, Johnny retired from his 54 years of service in the hotel business.

Johnny shared a love of scouting with his boys while being active with Boy Scout Troop 156 in Cookeville. Upon his move to Pigeon Forge, he was presented with a Key to the City and Proclamation highlighting his involvement including earning the highest form of scout training the Wood Badge and serving on numerous executive boards as well as District Chairman of the Upper Cumberland District. 

In his past time, Johnny enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, embarking on many trips to Canada. His most favorite activities, however, were centered around camping trips with his children and grandchildren. He instilled a love for family adventure, going on spur of the moment road trips with his daughters and spending many weekends at Lily Dale Campground and various campgrounds in East TN. Johnny also shared his woodworking and construction skills with his family, to whom many owe their talents.  Johnny lived a life of service to those around him. His presence was a source of strength and stability, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to offer sincere gratitude and thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at NHC Healthcare in Cookeville. Their service and care to Johnny was greatly appreciated.

Graveside Services and interment will be 10:00 am, Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, TN with Bro. Bryan Lewis, Johnny’s nephew, officiating. The family will receive friends in Cookeville on Thursday, September 26 from 4-7 pm at Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home Cookeville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Putnam County Animal Shelter,2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com. The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements 931-526-6111.