Wayne E. Hill Sr.

Wayne Eldred Hill Sr., age 82, peacefully passed away on September 6, 2024, at Ben Atchley’s Veterans Home due to congestive heart failure. Born on November 26, 1941, in Natchez, Mississippi, to Thomas Calvin and Annie Wesley Laird Hill, Wayne lived a life marked by dedication and love.

On September 2, 1967, he married Margaret Meadows in Mavisdale, Virginia. Wayne's distinguished service in the U.S. Navy spanned from 1963 to 1972, including two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS McKinsey. After nine years of honorable service, he was discharged in December 1973.

Following his military career, Wayne worked at Weigels in Knoxville from 1973 until his retirement in 1992. A festive spirit, Wayne cherished Christmas and enjoyed watching "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "Home Alone." His favorite song, "I’m a Winner Either Way" by Mike Upright, was a reflection of his positive outlook. He loved spending time with family, recounting stories from his youth, and was baptized in 2021 at Park West Church, renewing his faith in Jesus Christ.

Wayne is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Margaret Hill; his children, Wayne (Annsley) E. Hill Jr. and Sherry (Jaymi) Hill Millard; his grandchildren, Christopher (Kaitlyn) Hill, Megan (Logan) Hill, Daniel Millard, Kelly (Jonathan) Beatty, Sean-Michael Millard, and Kathryn Millard; and his great-grandchild, Waylon Hill.

He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Irene Worley; nephews Danny Meadows, AJ (Tracie) Worley, and Michael (Myra) Miracle, and siblings Charles (Erma) Hill, Larry Hill, Fred (Linda) Hill, Mary Ann Gothart, and Ellen Neal.

Wayne's life touched many, and he will be dearly missed. A visitation and service will be held on Friday evening, September 13, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., with a burial service to follow on Saturday, September 14th, at 1:00 p.m.