Gerald Hill

Gerald Hill, age 77, of Zirconia, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly from the results of a heart attack after having a joyful, story-filled Thanksgiving dinner with family and loved ones on Thursday, November 25, 2021

He was in the first graduating class of East Henderson High School in 1962.  After graduating, he continued to work on the family farm until he joined the USMC during the Vietnam War (1965-1969), where he served as a VMO-1 Helicopter Aviation Crew Chief.  He was awarded several decorations and citations including a Sikorsky Aircraft Rescue Award for skill and courage while participating in a life-saving mission.  He served alongside Larry Baysinger, his lifelong friend of Forks, Washington.  After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to Henderson County and continued farming and working for Brummett and Waddell Grading.

In 1987 Gerald attended Haywood Community College, graduating with honors and earning a degree in Forest Management.  He was then employed for several years with the North Carolina Forest Service in Monroe, North Carolina.  In 1992 he and his sons established Thomas Redmond Mowing, Inc. and began mowing highways in Henderson and surrounding counties.

Aside from their mowing business, his greatest passions included tending to his Black Angus cattle and gardening.  Mr. Hill spent countless days, rain, or shine, cultivating and harvesting his crop. His unmatched work ethic was instilled to his children and grandchildren.  He took pride in sharing his produce with anyone in need.  He will forever be remembered for his generosity.

Gerald enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends.  He spent Sundays watching NASCAR with family.  He loved cooking breakfast on his wood cook stove for his loved ones.  He would always say, “Come on in.  Aunt Leer’s got plenty.”  Everyone enjoyed his storytelling and memories of old times.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Newil” and Ula Mae Hill; his brothers and sisters, James and Charles Hill and Sibyl Staton; and his grandson, Tony Case.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Martha Brock Hill; two sons, Tommy Redmond and wife, Lori and Dwayne Hill and wife, Jill; one daughter, Wendy Ramey and husband, Bobby; eight grandchildren, Samantha Redmond, Blythe Hill, Nick Redmond, Hannah Hill, Blake Ramey, Zarah Ramey, Brock Ramey and Easton Ramey; and eight great-grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 4^th, 2021 up until 5:00 p.m. at the Hill residence.  Military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the residence as well.

Famous quotes:

“I’m harsh but I’m fair.”

“Don’t be standing around.  Find something to do-if you can’t, do side straddle hops.”

“’I can’t’ is not in my vocabulary.”

Lastly, “The only excuse for not being at work is a death in your family, and it be you!”

Dad, you’re excused.  Rest In Peace.

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