Reflections of Mr. Aaron J Hill
Good afternoon, Aaron, the brothers, friends, and family, it is my honor to stand before you and offer memories and reflections of Mr. Aaron J. Hill. Scripture declares in Galatians 5:22 “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…gentleness, goodness, and faith.” Everyone leaves a footprint and without a doubt Mr. Hill left an unforgettable positive footprint. A god-loving, righteous man, Mr. Hill believed in family near and far. A natural teacher, Mr. Hill shared many lessons.
Mr. Hill was a role model for fatherhood. Well-mannered and a sharp dresser, Mr. Hill took immense joy in his boys. In fact, if you came into Mr. Hill’s orbit you did so via one of his five sons. When you met Mr. Hill, immediately you noticed His piercing eyes and sly smile. As the boys aged and grew into men spending time and being involved with his sons no longer meant sporting events. Adult celebrations -- parties, jazz concerts, plays, and boat rides became the norm. Together Mr. Hill and the boys travelled going to Las Vegas, Alaska, Washington DC and of course, South Carolina. He loved every minute! In his quiet, peaceful way, Mr. Hill would observe, have a drink of Crown Royal and dance if the spirit moved him. He knew the names of his son’s friends. What a gift Mr. Hill had at making you feel special.
Mr. Hill was known by several names but to me he was Mr. Daddy. I came into the Hill clan as an orphan and homeless. An orphan because my mother was deceased, and my father was absent. Homeless after suffering a devastating fire in my northside apartment. Mr. Daddy and Ms. Ruby gave refuge and showed me hospitality while I resided in their guest room. That was the beginning of my witness to Mr. Hill, the father, husband, uncle, grandfather, and brother.
Mr. Hill Loved to cook, grill, and eat tasty food. He especially liked desserts. I have fond memories of breakfast, Friday hamburgers, and tomatoes from the garden, petunias smelling up the patio and Sunday dinner. Like others, I sat while Mr. Daddy fixed my plate and later picked up my leftovers. His phrase was ‘you make the sides, and I will do the que.’ I knew I was the missing daughter when Ms. Ruby gave me a handwritten recipe for the lemon pound cake Mr. Daddy adored. In your and her memory, I made that same cake for the Repast today. Because of Mr. Daddy’s fatherly ways toward me I knew what to do when it came time for me to be a daughter to my absent father. Mr. Daddy I will be forever grateful for those lessons.
By now If you have not inferred, then let me state clearly there was little Mr. Hill aka Mr. Daddy would not do for his sons and those he loved. He walked the walked and carried a big stick. In addition to his time, effort, when warranted Mr. Hill did not hesitate to put his cash on the line; for a few he did. Mr. Hill was all about providing moral, spiritual, financial support to his family. Since he was literate, watched current events, lived thru Vietnam, Reagan and voted for Obama twice, Mr. Hill knew the effects of discrimination and racism. Mr. Hill always fought back. Another lesson we will cherish.
Growing old is not painless. In fact, for Mr. Hill the waning years brought loss of family and friends younger than him. Naturally, the body deteriorates and while he had hoped the knee surgery would ease the pain, it relieved some but not all. Hearing loss was the greatest culprit. Conversation became difficult and driving curtailed. Your progression into Alzheimer’s seemed seamless. As I close, let me note there has been nothing that your sons have been unwilling to do. Without any hesitation, your sons fulfilled the 1st Commandment. Be exceedingly proud for they honored your wish of no ‘nursing home.’ Moreover, when the time came the Boys provided hospice in your house in your room. You died at home. Thus, as in Ephesian 6:2 your sons “honored thy father” until the very end. Along the way everyone learned the lessons of patience, compassion, paying attention to body language and treasuring the present. Mr. Hill leaves a noble and inspiring legacy, I say. So, on today because of you everyone in this Chapel is proud to be or know a ‘Hill.” Thank you, Jesus Christ, for the life and spirit of Aaron J Hill.
Warmly submitted by:
Wilma Baker-Hill