CSM (Ret Robert Earl Hill

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Robert Earl Hill, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on September 15, 1934, and lived a life defined by service, leadership, and devotion to family.

CSM Hill proudly served in the United States Army for more than 30 years. His distinguished military career included multiple combat tours in Vietnam, where he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in the Field Artillery Division. For his service, he earned more than 30 military awards, including two Bronze Stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the prestigious Legion of Merit Medal. His highest assignment was serving as the United States Army Recruiting and Retention Command Sergeant Major under General Maxwell Thurman, a role that placed him in the Pentagon and reflected the trust and respect he earned throughout his career. Robert served as Committee Chair for the "Be All You Can Be, In The Army" campaign. He often spoke of encounters with former Presidents including Nixon, Carter, and his favorite Ronald Reagan.

Beyond his remarkable military accomplishments, Robert was a man who deeply loved his family and those around him. He was known for his warm laughter, easy smile, and quick sense of humor, often brightening the day of anyone he encountered. At the same time, he carried himself as a tall, professional presence-someone who naturally commanded respect through character, integrity, and silent strength. Robert held membership in the Grand Lodge of Kentucky F&AM and attained the degree of Master Mason.

Robert was preceded in death by his children: Frank Hill, Craig Hill, Ronald Hill, Donald Hill, and Teresa Hill, as well as two unnamed stillborn infant sons, each memorialized with the name "Baby Hill." He was also preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee Hill and Mary Evelyn McWhirter Hill; and by his siblings: Exie Juanita Pamplin, Myrtle Lee Smith, Roy Dean Hill, Floyd Edward Hill, William Monroe Hill, Madison Shelton Hill, Mary Fay Hill, Deborah Kay Gulley, Dennis Anthony Hill, and Jackie Lynn Hill.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Linda Collins; his son, Eric Hill; and his living siblings: Jerry Ray Hill and wife Anita, Pamela McCoy and husband Melvin, and David Lee Hill and wife Dawn. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, fellow soldiers, and all who were privileged to know him.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home, with a Masonic Service at 1:30 PM. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM on Thursday at State Line Cemetery with Bro. Eddie Graves officiating and military honors.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

Arrangements for Command Sergeant Major Robert Earl Hill are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Robert Earl Hill's legacy of service, leadership, humor, and love will endure in the hearts of his family, his fellow service members, and his community.