On Thursday, August 27, 2020, Deacon Herman R. Hill, 78, received his call to his heavenly home.

He was born April 5, 1942, in Smithfield, Virginia to the late Henry and Leanor Hill. Herman was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gayle Hill; and four brothers, Richard, George, Eugene, and James Hill.

Herman Hill is survived by his beloved wife, Cerita Hill; four sons, Herman Jr. (Wanda), Darrell, Gary (Erica), Isaac (Shalesha); two daughters, Lolita Battle (Pernell), Sonya Brown (Greg); three sisters, Nora Hill, Susie Freeman, Glenda Hicks (Luther); along with 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Deacon Hill had been a resident of the Newport News/Hampton area from an early age. He attended Dunbar Elementary School and Booker T. Washington Elementary School before going on to Huntington High School.

Upon graduation from high school, Herman enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in the "Elite" Submarine Service for 24 years. There he achieved the rank of Senior Chief Machinist Mate (SS). After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Herman worked for Newport News Shipbuilding/Tenneco/Northrop Grumman/AMSEC LLC for 21 years, where he retired as a Senior Logistics Analyst.

Deacon Hill had a zest for life and wanted to live it to the fullest, not having any regrets.  He was handy inside and outside the house. He was very gifted with his hands and enjoyed an array of household pastimes and helping others. His passion for repairing and building was highly commendable.

Deacon Hill joined the Little Zion Baptist Church in 1958 and was baptized under the Pastorship of Rev. James W. Dodd. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1982 and served on the Deacon Board for 38 years. Herman was an active member of the J. W. Dodd Male Chorus until his health began to fail. In 2018 Deacon Hill was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Peninsula Baptist Union. He was the Superintendent of the LZBC Sunday School Ministry for over 25 years.

The viewing for Herman will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, September 4, at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Saturday, September 5, at Little Zion Baptist Church, 1824 West Queen Street, Hampton, VA 23666. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.