Donald E Hill

Donald Ellis Hill, age 85 of Loganville, GA, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024. He is survived by his bride of 63 years, Sara Wade, his daughter Cindy Walker (Greg), grandchildren Macy Walker and Garrison Walker, and sister Sandy Nelson (Kirk). He is preceded in death by his parents Milton BE Hill and Albena Pierce Hill deCordova, and brothers Harold Hill and Gayle Hill. Don was born in Opelika, AL and spent his early years on the family farm in Milstead (Shorter), AL. He later moved to Gulfport, MS to become a championship water skier. He was part of the AWSA Century Club for jumping over 100 feet, joined the Earl Pappy Hollowell Water Ski Circus and performed at Callaway Gardens. He even had the opportunity to teach Elvis Presly how to water ski. Don graduated from Gulfport High School in the class of 1957. They were going to change the world and he did!

He served in the Army for a year as a helicopter mechanic and then the reserves for 7 years. He started at Auburn University in 1958 and graduated with a Bachelor of Building Construction in 1962. While at Auburn, he met his soulmate, his bride, Sara, at a Sigma Chi / Pi Beta Phi pledge swap. After 4 years of dating, they married on August 5, 1961.

After graduating from Auburn, they moved to Atlanta for Don to begin work on his Masters of Science specializing in Civil Engineering - Structures, Soils and Mechanics from Georgia Tech and graduated June 1965. His career began with Heery & Heery (Heery International), and he ultimately started his own firm - DE Hill Engineers, which evolved into Hill-Fister Engineers. Finally United Consulting Group would be his third creation. Don was active within the Consulting Engineers Council of Georgia for over 28 years and was elected president in 1992. He received the Engineer of Year award in 1999.

Don was an active member at Grayson United Methodist Church for 22 years. During his time at Grayson, he made lifelong friends in Christ through Empty Nesters Sunday School Class, United Methodist Men's Group, Long Range Planning Committee, Finance Committee, Administrative Council and Helping Hands. Don brought his talents from his career to being the Chair of the Board of Trustees for several years, as well as an instrumental part of setting up the Grayson United Methodist Church Foundation.

Don’s memorial service will be held Sunday, November 10, at Grayson United Methodist Church (555 Grayson Parkway, 30017). Visitation is at 2PM followed by the service at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.