Dean Hill

Cal Dean Hill, Jr., 86, passed away on Thursday May 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 13, 1930 in Sugar Land, Texas to Cal Dean Hill and Myrtle Scarborough Hill. The family moved to Houston in 1941, where Dean attended San Jacinto High School and, later, the Rice Institute (now Rice University) where he earned both the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees. While at Rice, Dean was active in the NROTC, and upon graduation began 2 years of active duty service in the Navy, based in Charleston, South Carolina. During the 2 weeks between graduation from Rice and reporting for duty in Charleston, he married the love of his life, Virginia Lee Smith. After completion of his active service, he and Gini returned to Houston to raise a family, and Dean to begin his career in Architecture. He remained in the Naval Reserve until retiring in 1983 after 30 years of service and attaining the rank of Captain.

Dean was active in Naval organizations, both local and national, for the remainder of his life, including a stint as commander of the Texas Chapter of the Naval Order of the United States. In his professional life, Dean was a long time member of the American Institute of Architects, active in local AIA chapter affairs, and practiced with various firms in Houston for a long career, only fully retiring in his mid-70’s.

Dean had many interests throughout his life including oil painting, model railroading, bird-watching, hunting and fishing. In his younger years he was both a golfer and avid amateur baseball player, and remained a devoted baseball fan his entire life.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Virginia (Gini) Smith Hill; his children, Cal Dean Hill, III, Howard Hill and wife Sherry, Elaine Hill and husband Matt Hauser; and four grandchildren, Nathan Hill, Nicholas Hill, Alyssa Hauser and Jason Hauser.

A visitation is planned for Wednesday, May 17 from 6 – 8 PM at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Rd., Houston, Texas. Following a graveside service for the family, there will be a Memorial Service on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 2 PM, to be held at the Clarewood House Chapel, 7400 Clarewood Dr., Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the American Veterans Association (AmVets), or to a charitable organization of your choice.