Obituary of Ralph Lenton Hill Jr.

R. Lenton Hill, Jr.

Lenton Hill, age 86, passed away on March 23, 2024.  Lenton was born on February 24, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Ralph Lenton Hill, Sr. and Cleo Feagin Hill. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics at Georgia Tech University where his dad was a professor. Upon graduation, he commissioned into the US Air Force at Eglin AFB, Florida, for three years and met his wife, Sylvia Day. After commission, he transferred to civil service as project manager in research/development, munitions, and range systems. During his time as a civilian, he was able to further his education at Stanford University in California and earned a Masters Degree in Statistics. He, Sylvia, and one daughter moved to California while he attended university. After graduation, the family returned to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he continued work at Eglin AFB. Another daughter was born and they built a home in Shalimar, Florida, in 1975 where they enjoyed life on the bayou, swimming, boating, and fishing.

Lenton was an involved father and attended all activites his daughters joined. He was proud of his daughters and their accomplishments and practiced with them, whether it was tennis on weekends or piano during the week. His daughters’ favorite thing was the haunted house he created every Halloween – all the girls’ friends wanted to come!  He was thrilled when his first grandchild (Isabelle) was born and later his two grandsons (Hunter and Colton) brought much joy – finally boy-type fun!  He was an involved grandfather and enjoyed attending ball games, swim meets, and school performances.  He never missed a chance to help his grands cast a rod and reel in a fish. 

Lenton was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and fishing. He would get up early on Saturday to take his daughters fishing and usually caught dinner. Each November he went hunting with friends in Llano, Texas, and brought back venison to feed the family for a year. He was a craftsman:  He built a TV, the family’s first dock, including putting in the pilings with the help of two friends, and a special doll house for his daughters one Christmas – down to little cans of soup, tables, and chairs.

Music was a big part of his life. It was always playing in the house: he whistled to the radio, played records, and strummed guitar to Chet Atkins. He could play a mean guitar and his favorite form of music was country. His favorite activity was the annual Christmas music night he initiated with his family, with everyone playing an instrument and singing Christmas carols.

Lenton was a devout Christian, spending time every morning reading the bible. He enjoyed his Sunday School class at Shalimar United Methodist church and served as leader of the worship team and an usher. 

Lenton was a good man, kind friend, devoted husband, and loving father and grandfather.  We will miss him so much and are grateful that he is at peace. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sylvia, two daughters, Janice Hill Fendrick (Richard) and Julie Hill Simpson, and three grandchildren, Isabelle, Hunter, and Colton Simpson, along with several nephews and nieces, all whom he loved. 

A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11 AM at the Family Life Center, Shalimar United Methodist Church, 1 Old Ferry Rd, Shalimar, FL 32579. Donations in lieu of flowers to your favorite local charity.

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