Donald Gene Hill

Donald Gene Hill, 82, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, at Gordon Hospice Home in Statesville, NC. Gene was born on March 20, 1943 in Olive Hill, Kentucky to his parents,  preceded him in death, Dewey and Hazel Hill;  Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra Workman Hill of Statesville, NC; children, Donald (Kristen) Hill of Advance, NC, and Joseph Hill of Statesville, NC; grandchildren, Katie (Lincoln) Barlow, Matthew Hill, and Tyler Hill; siblings, Becky (Paul) Campbell of Conover, NC and John Thomas (Melinda) Hill of Trinity, NC; devoted care-givers Micah Johnston and Jason Tock; and special friends Keith Yow, Phil Razor, and Jerry Billings.

Gene graduated from Ragsdale High School (Jamestown) in 1961, where he was a member of the football and track teams.  He attended Pfeiffer College before deciding to serve his beloved country in the US Navy.  Gene served as a hospital corpsman, medical photographer, and Navy Seal team member.  Following his years of service, Gene returned home to work as a jeweler and spend time with family. 

Gene had many hobbies and passions.  He loved music, especially beach music, and enjoyed shagging.  He was fond of watching old westerns. He loved the beach, especially visiting there with his grandchildren. In his younger days, he spent much of his time skiing and enjoying other water activities on Badin Lake. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff in Statesville and at W. G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA for their dedicated care during Gene’s lengthy illness.  We would also like to thank Iredell Memorial and Gordon Hospice House for their kindness and care of our family and of Gene in his final days. 

A funeral service will be held at J.C. Green Funeral Home in Thomasville at 2 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the chapel, with visitation starting at 1:00 PM.  Burial to follow at Holly Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to either:

Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.

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