Will Rogers Hill

Will Rogers Hill of Nathalie, VA passed away March 13, 2022.  He was born in Halifax County, VA on January 17, 1937 and was 85 years of age. He was the son of the late Charlie Lawson Hill and the late Callie DeJarnette Hill. He was married 66 years to the late Bobbie Reese Hill.

Will grew up in Republican Grove and he played on the 1954 Halifax County Blue Comet team. This was the first blue comet baseball team and it defeated George Washington High School. He was hooked and his career in baseball spans the Dothan Alabama/Florida, Winnipeg Northern, Winston-Salem Carolina, Macon Southern, Durham Carolina, Duluth-Superior, and Pocatello Pioneer leagues. He played for the same teams as Tim McCarver, Bill Freehan, Karl Spooner, Chase Riddle, Gates Brown, Pat Dobson, Mickey Lolich, and Jim Northrup. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and the Boston Red Sox.

Will's love for the game did not vanish after his professional days were over. He used his skills and love of the diamond to coach girls softball teams for many years and even umping for several youth baseball leagues including the Halifax County Dixie Youth and South Boston Babe Ruth leagues. Will even coached for the Halifax County Middle school leading them to countless championships through the years. When American Legion baseball was brought to Halifax County will stepped up and guided Post 8 to numerous victories and even refused to back down to a challenge taking over the baseball program at William Campbell High school.

 More than baseball coaching and victories, Will took the time to encourage the youth he worked with. He offered advice, listened, and taught lifelong lessons that to this day help those young men and women. Whether going on to a successful career or just learning the skills and sportsmanship of the game; those who knew Will were better for it. He never minded giving of his time to help those around him.

 In professional baseball, every minor leaguer dreams of the day when they will be called up to the Major Leagues. On Sunday, March 13, Will received his call up. Thanks for the wonderful memories! Play extra Innings!

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove and the Sports Hall of Fame.  

Will Hill is survived by:

Two Sons

Tony Hill and wife Tina of Washington State

David Hill, Sr. of Nathalie

One Daughter

Sharon Hill Anderson and husband Tom of Crystal Hill

Thirteen Grandchildren

Twenty-two Great Grandchildren

***Preceded in death by***

His Daughter and Son-in-law

Debbie Wilborne and husband Mark

Brothers

Kenneth, Malvin, Lawson and Bobby Hill

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at the family cemetery with the Rev. Timothy Bowes officiating.

The family will gather at Italian Delight following the service.

For memorials, please consider Halifax DIXIE Inc, P.O. Box box 1093, South Boston, VA 24592. In the memo line write “Will Hill”.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements are by: Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.