David Bennett Hill

Dr. David Bennett Hill Dr. David Bennett Hill, 85, retired surgeon of Lynchburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at his home with his family at his side. He was born in Rutherfordton, NC on November 26, 1927, the son of William Ross Hill and Frances Justice Hill. Dr. Hill is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judith Vaughn Hill and children David Bennett Hill II and wife Dawne, Caroline Susan Moore and husband Jim, Scott Royall Hill all of Lynchburg, and Marcus Vaughn Hill and wife Jamie of Roanoke. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: David B. Hill, III and wife Lesli, Maggie Elizabeth Hill, Preston Scott Hill, Trent Downey Hill, Caroline Olivia Moore, James Oglesby Moore III, and Riggins Colton Hill. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Hugh Vaughn and wife Chal of Asheville, NC; sister-in-law Jerry Kline of Oneida, TN, sister-in-law June Geron of East Lansing, MI, and several loving nieces and nephews. Dr. Hill was preceded in death by his sister Julia Hill Wilson and brothers William Ross Hill Jr. and James Minter Hill. He completed his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University and received his masters degree from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Hill obtained his Medical Degree from Duke University School of Medicine and served his internship and surgical residency at the Medical College of Virginia serving as Dr. David Hume's first surgical resident. He practiced general, thoracic, and vascular surgery in Lynchburg for 42 years before retiring in 2004. Dr. Hill was a member of the Lynchburg Academy of Medicine, serving on various committees, on the board and as Vice President and President. In 2004 he was chosen by the Academy members to receive the Barney Award, an annual award established by the Academy to honor physicians for outstanding service to the Academy and to the community. He was always considered the consummate gentleman and physician and was a wonderful mentor to younger physicians and the hospital staff. Dr. Hill was instrumental in developing the Intensive Care Unit at Virginia Baptist Hospital and in bringing laparoscopic surgery to Lynchburg. A driving force behind the community's model breast surgery team, Dr. Hill was a member of the American College of Surgeons and also served multiple terms as a delegate to the Medical Society of Virginia. He served on many committees for the hospital medical staff including serving as Chief of Surgery. He was also a member of the Humera Society where he served as president. Dr. Hill was dedicated to his patients and his care and concern will always be remembered. He was loyal to and loved by his office staff, operating room staff, and others that he encountered in his work. He was devoted to working with and teaching nurses and other hospital personnel. Dr. Hill's special interests and hobbies included golf, reading, gardening, cooking, turkey hunting, astronomy and all types of music. His music interests included playing trombone in the physician's band. David was a dedicated Demon Deacon fan and loved all things Wake Forest. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed most spending time with them. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to those who lovingly cared for him including Centra employees in the LGH Surgical Unit, VBH Specialty Hospital, VBH Rehabilitation Center, and Centra Hospice; Dr. Harold Young and staff at the Medical College of Virginia and Caring from the Heart team of gentle and compassionate caregivers. The family's special thanks to Rosetta Steeples for her dedication and care of his retirement and throughout his illness. His loving sister-in-law, Jerry Kline, was our Angel of Mercy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, P.O. Box 3024 Lynchburg, VA 24503 or the charity of your choice. A celebration of Dr. Hill's Life will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church, VES Road, Lynchburg, VA on Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, March 8 at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg. Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be made at tharpfuneralhome.com