Dr. William E. Hill's Obituary
Dr. William E. (Bill) Hill, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois. He was born on December 18, 1936 to Steve and Delphia Hill in Karnak, Illinois.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Steve Hill Junior. Also preceding him in death were his wife Carol Richards (mother of his daughters Wendy and Valerie), wife Pam Morgan, and wife Barbara Hires (mother of daughters Elizabeth and Sarah).
Surviving are daughters Elizabeth Butler (Rob), Wendy Griesemer (Mike), Sarah McGee (Mark), and Valerie McClellan (Robert). He is also survived by grandchildren Drew Butler, Emily Butler, Brice (Janie) Griesemer, Monica Griesemer, Keaton McGee, Ellie McGee, and great-grandchildren Hallie, Henry, and Hugh Griesemer, and his long-time companion, Pam Johnson.
Bill strived to live his life as a Christian. He was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. He also was a very devoted family man who showed pride in his community and his country.
Bill graduated from East Lynn High School (Illinois) in 1955. He continued his studies and graduated with a B.A. from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1959 and with an M.S. from Indiana State University in 1963. In 1979 he earned his PhD. from Southern Illinois University.
Participation in athletic endeavors, mainly baseball and basketball, was key to the shaping of his life. He went to the University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship prior to transferring to Kentucky Wesleyan to close out his collegiate career playing both basketball and baseball.
Bill started his teaching and coaching career at Niantic-Harristown School District, then he moved to Chrisman, Illinois as a teacher/coach. After four years of teaching, he became the principal of Chrisman High School.
At 28 years of age, he became the Principal/Superintendent at Clay City, Illinois. He then went on to be a Superintendent of Schools for 26 years in the Illinois communities of Bridgeport, Cairo, and Charleston. In addition to a four-year stint as a state Regional Vocational Director, Bill taught courses periodically for 11 years as an adjunct professor for the Department of Educational Administration at Eastern Illinois University.
Bill was involved in many professional pursuits over the course of his admirable career. Some of these activities included: President of Illinois School Administrators, Appointment to Illinois State Board of Education, Member and Acting President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Member of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Board, Member of Sarah Bush Lincoln, Lake Land College, and CASA Foundation Boards, and seven years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Bill lived a joyful life. He was beloved by his family, friends, and colleagues.
A visitation and Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, June 29th at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston with Reverend Bradley Shumaker officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. with the service immediately to follow.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family would like to request that donations be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th St., Charleston, IL 61920 OR online at charlestonwesley.org or to CASA of East Central Illinois, 651 Jackson Ave. #13, Charleston, IL 61920 OR online through casaeci.org.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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