John M. Hill

Philanthropist John M. Hill, Jr, age 83, of Biloxi, passed away on August 14, 2012 in Gulfport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John M. Hill, Sr and Daisey O'Neal; three sisters, Lula Mae Mills, Marie James, and Dent Forsythe; one brother, Dr. Henry W. Hill; and a nephew, Edwin M. James, III.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra R. Hill of Biloxi; four nephews, Harold Mills, Jr (Arlene) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Don James (Carol) of Houston, TX, David James (Faye) of Woolmarket, and John E. Hill of Lumberton, MS; four nieces, Marie Stone of Fort Wayne, IN, Ann White (Bill) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Susan Barrows (Tom) of Marietta, GA, and Nanci James of Tallahassee, FL; twenty four grand nieces and nephews; twelve great grand nieces and nephews; two children, William Brent Baylor (Michele) of Gulfport and Ashley Baylor Arnold (Edward) of Memphis, TN; and four grandchildren, Gabrielle Baylor, Ashton Baylor, Emily Arnold, and Caroline Arnold.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in special intelligence.
A true entrepreneur, he was the owner of a Lincoln Mercury auto dealership and responsible for real estate and commercial development in the area around John Hill Blvd.
Very active in the political arena, he was an aide to Senator James O. Eastland and an advisor / supporter of many elected officials including Governor Phil Bryant, Senator Trent Lott, Senator Roger Wicker, and many local elected leaders. He was the campaign manager and best friend of Mayor Ken Combs.
His passion was philanthropy. He was one of the founders of Lamar Christian School in Purvis, Ms and established the Halfway House in Purvis where he cared for those in need. He was a founder and sponsor along with his close friends, Sheriff Danny Rigel and Sheriff Billy McGee with the support of Rev. Bill Wright of First Friday Law Enforcement Luncheon in Purvis. He was instrumental in the development of Drug Corps Mississippi and was very devoted to and a supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous in Gulfport and Purvis.
John was extremely involved with the Gulfport School System focusing his energy on athletics and was involved with the rebirth and success of the Shrimp Bowl in Biloxi.
A family patriarch, his most important treasure was his family and he loved boating, his horses, and his dogs.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gulfport, 12190 SR 605, Gulfport, MS 39503.
For those who cannot attend the service on Friday, a live webcast will be available at http://app.eventbywire.com/viewevent/?id=580-698. Please join the broadcast at 9:45 AM.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at The First Baptist Church, 12190 SR 605, Gulfport. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.