Tributes

On October 30, 2009, John Benjamin Hill received his reward of eternal life. Now face to face with his savior, Ben Hill lived 95 faith filled years believing "To live is Christ; to die is gain." Born June 5, 1914 in Westhoff, Texas, to parents Daniel Martin Hill, a farmer, and Ella Aitkens, a housewife, Ben had three brothers and three sisters. He was married for 43 years to his beloved wife, Tera DeLva Bell, who preceded him in death on October 31, 1980. Ben was proud to be the father of three loving children: his is preceded in death by daughter, Tera Marie Hill Gardner, and is survived by son John Ben Hill Jr and wife Barbara of Sugarland, and daughter Myrtle Ann Hill LaGrone of Austin. His eight grandchildren brought him exceeding joy; Tony Wier of Nacogdoches, Tim Wier of Sugarland, Wallace Hill of Houston, Douglas Hill of Houston, John Hill III of Houston, Terry LaGrone III of Austin and Tracy LaGrone-Yazdchi of Austin. He was also "Granddaddy" to 11 great-grandchildren who adored him and a patriarch to extended family who loved and respected him. Ben Hill lived an example of humility and gentleness that defined his life and left an indelible legacy for all who knew him, most especially his family. He was admired for his wisdom and kindness and will be remember as a peacemaker. What defined him most was his great love for the God he served. He loved the word of God with passion and was always eager to share its truths. He loved the people of God and was committed to the same church for nearly 70 years. The people of Gospel Assembly in San Antonio were family whom he shared worship on earth, which he now continues in a greater Tabernacle in Heaven. For 43 years, Ben Hill earned a living at Southern Steel in San Antonio, laboring faithfully, living simply and humbly providing for his family. He was known by all as a man who loved people. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of a conversation and had a way of making people feel comfortable. Having lived almost a century he enjoyed telling stories of all the changes he had experienced in a country he loved. His passing marks the last page in his story on earth, but it is just the beginning of his story in heaven. The first page of that story no doubt begins with the words of God himself: "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Tributes

John Ben Hill. Sr.

June 5, 1914 - October 30, 2009