Robert Hill III

Hill III, Robert Sommerville “Bob”, 81, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, June 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. A native of Montgomery, he was born in Fitts Hill Hospital, July 2, 1942. He was the son of Marie Louise Hill and Robert Sommerville Hill, Jr.

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 57 years Katherine “Kittie” Sensing Hill of Nashville, TN, and children Robert Sommerville Hill, IV, (Anne), Wilbur Sensing Hill (Malin), Katherine “Kittie” McNairy Hill Worley (Nick), grandchildren Robert Sommerville Adams Hill, Wilbur Sensing Hill, Jr., Malin Saunders Baldwin Hill, and his sister Elizabeth Baldwin Hill. He is also survived by in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Bob was graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. He was active in Junior ROTC and youth leadership, including serving as Governor of the YMCA Alabama Youth Legislature. He received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University where he remained active in ROTC and campus leadership. In ROTC he was honored as Captain of Scabbard and Blade. On campus he participated in many student leadership positions including President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Raven. From Vanderbilt, he went on to earn a J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law.

Participation in ROTC in high school and college led to a lifetime of interest and service in the United States Army, active duty and reserve, including being stationed at Redstone Arsenal, and tours in Korea and in Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit among other honors, and he retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Colonel on June 29, 1995.

Following law school and two years of active duty, he joined his father at the law firm of Hill, Robison, Belser and Phelps and continued to work with his father at Hill and Hill until 1997. From there he transitioned to General Counsel of the Alabama ABC Board where he built and continued to lead the legal department until his retirement in November 2021.

He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served as a member of the Vestry. He was very active in civic organizations in Montgomery including serving on the boards of the Salvation Army and Goodwill; Boy Scouts of America where he was on the board, a member of Order of the Arrow, and was awarded the Silver Beaver; over 50 years in the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery; the Society of Pioneers of Montgomery; and other social and mystic organizations. Nationally, he served as President of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA).

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and faithful brother. He was an avid reader. He loved to travel and was always willing to explore new and even questionable cuisine. He had a lifelong interest in the outdoors: hunting, fishing, skiing, and time at the lake with family. Most of all, he was the epitome of a Southern gentleman.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and kindness they have received from everyone. We would also like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Answered Prayer who attended to Bob in the last few weeks of his life.

Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation beforehand from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Family Sunshine Center, or the charity of your choice.