Billy Joe Hill

Billy Joe Hill - late of Biloxi, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the age of 92.  

Billy was born August 12, 1932, to Francis 'Major' Hill and Gracie Hill, and was one of 3 sons.  

Billy came to Biloxi as a young man and entered the Air Force, where he was based out of Keesler Air Force Base and was proud to serve his country as an air evac medic.  Not long after he entered the service, he met his future wife through a cousin and pursued her until she finally relented and said 'yes' to a date.  The rest is history.  On April 4th, 1956, Billy married Alice (nee Hilton) Hill, and they began their life together in Biloxi and shared 66 years of marriage, welcoming two sons, Robert Bryant Hill and Kenneth Joe Hill.  Throughout his military career, Billy was stationed with his family in Japan, Virginia, and eventually came back to Keesler and settled down in Biloxi, where he and Alice, along with their two boys, built their home and made a wonderful life for themselves.

After retiring from the Air Force as an Airman First Class, Billy took on a job at Kern Optical, where he worked from 1974-1996, making long lasting friendships with his co-workers, and constantly keeping them laughing from his witty jokes and stories of his life over the years.  During his retirement, Billy loved to hunt, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed bird watching on his back porch in his rocking chair.  He also loved to watch his favorite Westerns, and most importantly, the Atlanta Braves with his son, Kenny.  No matter where he was sitting, you could usually always find one of his beloved cats in his lap.  In the 90's and into the 2000's, he spent a lot of his time in the fall at the hunting camp, and Saturday mornings in the Spring and Summer fishing out on the boat with his son Robert.  Billy was a Granddaddy to one granddaughter Ashley, who he would always say he could smell a mile away because she was so spoiled.  He had the privilege of becoming a Great Granddaddy in 2016 to his only great-grandchild, Avery Elizabeth, and would spend many afternoons taking cat naps in his recliner with Avery snuggled up next to him.

Billy always had funny jokes, usually a one liner, and anytime you'd ask him how he was doing, he would always reply with "Fine, I hope."  

He will be remembered as a good man who had a fulfilling life filled with 92 wonderful years on this earth.  He joins his wife, Alice, in Heaven, just one day from the two-year anniversary of her passing.

Billy is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Alice; his oldest son, Robert; his parents Major and Gracie; two brothers Charles and Bryant; his father and mother-in-law Alton Hilton Sr. and Brittie Hilton; brothers-in-law David Hilton and Alton 'Buddy' Hilton.

Billy is survived by his son Kenneth J. Hill of Biloxi, granddaughter Elizabeth Ashley (Brennan) Williams of Ocean Springs, and a great-granddaughter Avery Elizabeth Williams of Ocean Springs.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home- West Jackson County (13872 Lemoyne Blvd, Biloxi, MS).  Graveside Services with Military Honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home- West Jackson County is assisting the family.