James Wallace "Wally" Hill

James Wallace Hill (Wally) was born to Estelle and James Alvin Hill in Falkville, Alabama on November 12, 1937. He was the oldest of ten children (6 boys and 4 girls). He grew up on a farm where he plowed mules and picked cotton from a very young age. Wally studied hard to get good grades in school and got his associate degree at the University of Montevallo. After college he joined the US Navy where he served ten years. Early in his Navy career he married his wife, Rosanell Quattlebaum. They would have been married 64 years on November 7, 2023. They had three children: Debbie Sabatino (Frank), Pam Lindley, and Greg Hill (Jill). They have seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

During his service with the Navy, Wally received recognition and several accommodations for his excellence and leadership in aviation electronics. His attention to detail and his drive for knowledge would follow him for the rest of his life. While stationed in Sanford, he and Nell made the decision to transition from the Navy to a civilian career with IBM. Wally was a successful systems engineer for twenty-five years.

After retiring from IBM, he became involved with the Florida Trails Association. Wally supervised teams of volunteers to build and maintain miles of trails and boardwalks. Wally enjoyed his time with fellow volunteers as they hiked, camped, and worked together.

He always tried to be available if someone needed help. He enjoyed attending church and serving people. He had roles as a volunteer fireman and many leadership roles with the church. He loved his children and grandchildren. He especially loved being a grandpa!

Wally was always in good health until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008. He put up a good fight and kept a good attitude. He never blamed God for the Parkinson’s and all the problems it caused. He later developed Dementia which robbed him of a lot of memories! Wally would say “love and serve the Lord, love and serve your family and enjoy your life.”