Thomas Hill

Tom was born on May 28, 1937, to Joseph Washington Hill and Francis Olive Boswell at their home in Atlanta, GA. Tom attended elementary school at Georgia Military Academy (now Woodward Academy) in College Park, GA and graduated from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, GA.

After graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1956 to 1959 aboard the USS Belle Grove as a Fire Control Technician. During his enlistment, the USS Belle Grove participated in Operation Hardtack--a series of 35 nuclear tests conducted by the United States from April 28 to August 18, 1958, at the Pacific Proving Grounds. Tom witnessed 7 of the 35 nuclear detonations and often recounted his memories of that unforgettable experience.

In 1961, Tom married his sweetheart, Mary Sue Baxter, of College Park, GA. Tom and Sue had two children, Karen Diane and Michael Ronald. Their marriage was founded on their shared faith in Jesus Christ which strengthened them through all that life presented. Tom was a faithful and loving husband and stayed by Sue’s side to the very end. When Sue died in 2008, the couple was only 3 years away from celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Tom had various careers in his lifetime, but his passion was working as a firefighter. He served with the East Point Fire Department in East Point, GA for many years and volunteered as a firefighter after resigning his position.

Following that, Tom ran his own electrical company and briefly worked for the Ralston Purina Company. In 1973, he was hired by Delta Airlines where he worked as a Maintenance Mechanic at the jet base. His duties evolved over the years to include serving as the system-wide locksmith for Delta. Throughout the company, Tom became known as “the key man.” He retired from his successful career in 1994.

Tom enjoyed many hobbies and interests: hunting, fishing, woodworking, leather crafts, photography, close-up magic, shooting pool, playing instruments, singing and traveling. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, College Park, GA, Second Baptist Church (now McDonough Road Baptist Church), College Park, GA and Peachtree City United Methodist Church, Peachtree City, GA.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Hill and Olive Boswell Hill, and his wife, Sue Baxter Hill.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Hill Keen (Jerry) and son Michael R. Hill (Laurie); grandson, Matthew Donahue; granddaughter, Quinn Donahue; brothers-in-law, Leon Baxter, Jr. (Cindy) and Steve Baxter (Shawnee); sister-in-law, Leann Baxter Hall; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 o’clock, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Evergreen Church, 400 Windgate Road, Peachtree City, GA. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5755 Mallory Rd, College Park, GA.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Rd, Union City, GA 30291.