Donald Earl Hill

Deacon Donald Earl Hill was born December 19, 1950 in Hollandale, Mississippi, to the late Lewis Hill and Martha Warner Hill.

Don, as he was fondly called, attended Glen Allen, MS Public Schools and graduated from Riverside High School. He furthered his education by attending North Florida Community College in Madison, FL.

Don answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army in 1972 where received several decorations, badges and medals. He also served in the Army Reserves for many years until he re-enlisted and retired on April 22 ^nd , 2009. He served his country for a total of 37 years as a Sergeant. Upon leaving military service, Don was employed with Gold Kist Poultry in Live Oak, FL for 21 years as a Hatchery Supervisor. The U.S. Army Solder’s Creed reflects a set of Army Values by which all soldiers live: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Don was a living example of all these values.

Don was converted at a mid-adulthood age and joined New Hope Primitive Baptist Church where he served on the usher board and later became a deacon as he served his position well until his health began to fail. Don was also a devoted member of the Masons- Sweet Home Lodge #67 of Madison, FL; the Order of the Eastern Stars-Electa Chapter #64 of Madison, FL; Thomasville Georgia Buffalo Soldiers, and The American Legion of Madison FL.

On July 1, 2020, Deacon Donald Earl Hill submitted to the final call of a soldier: “Day is done gone the sun, from the lake, from the hills, from the sky; all is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three of his siblings: Lewis "Billy" Reed, Bobby Hoods and Alma Hill.

Deacon Hill leaves to celebrate his life and cherish fond memories, his wife of 44yrs., Judith E. Hill of Madison, FL; his children: Torrance McCall of Salinas, CA, Tyuanna McCall of Madison, FL. raised as a daughter: Soyna Peeler (Eric) of Valdosta, GA, raised as son's: Patrick W Brown (Tara) of Madison, FL, and Leroy Brown (Talisa) of Valdosta, GA; Father-in-law: Elder Thomas Haynes, Sr.; Mother-in-law: Imogene Haynes; Siblings: Gladys Stevenson, Dorothy Hill and Willie Hill; Brothers-in-law: Thomas Haynes. Jr. (Cheryl), David Haynes (Natalie), LaRonya Haynes, Marcus Haynes (Renee) and Charles Arnold; Sisters-in-law: Obra Baynard (Lee), Geraldine Bevel, Phyllis Haynes, Cosandra Haynes, and Anna Akins; Grandchildren: Chad'Tavia Pigford, Ashli McCall, Frankie Tyrik White, Alexis McCall, Erin Peeler, Skylar Akins, raised as a grandson: Lil Patrick J. Brown, and Neamiah Brown; Great-grandchild: Elani Peeler; Godchildren: LeeAnn Powell (Jermaine), Lil Dallas Choice, Jr. and Mia Akins; Special friends: Horace Brown (Patricia), Benny Murphy (Catherine), Mike McBride, Rufus Johnson, Wilbert Postell and Frankie Johnson; and host of nephews, great-nephews, nieces, great-nieces, 1-great-great nephew, cousins, and close friends.

Graveside Service for the late Deacon Donald Earl Hill, will be Saturday, July 11, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 327 NE Ochlawilla Road, Pinetta, FL 32350.

Elder Henry Durant, St. Joseph Primitive Baptist Church, Greensboro, FL, will officiate.

Public viewing will be Friday, July, 10, 2020, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gospel Train Ministries, 189 SE Presidents St., Madison, FL.

All those who wish to pay their respects in person must wear a mask during visitation and at graveside services.

Due to COVID-19, Godfrey Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.