Obituary of Clayton Eugene Hill, Sr.

Clayton Eugene Hill, Sr, affectionately known to some as “Pop” and to others as “Sonny”, was born on June 5, 1939, in King and Queen County, Virginia.  He was the son of the late Clayton Hill and Louise Vessels Hill.  His mother Louise died while Clayton was just three years old. He was then raised by his maternal grandparents, John Robert and Mary Vessels, on their farm where he was taught the importance of hard work.  He spent much of his time with his grandfather learning how to fix cars, operate farming equipment and cultivate the land.  Clayton and his three cousins, Bea, Lillie and Mary, were raised as siblings and spent most of their time together.  Clayton often shared fond memories of his childhood and was able to recall details of his life as if he traveled back in time. He had an exceptional memory. In the late 1950’s, Clayton met the love of his life, Mildred Ann Pugh.  They were married and Mildred gave birth to their son, Clayton Hill Jr.  Clayton and Mildred decided that they would venture north in search of greater opportunities for their new family.  They traveled to New Jersey, where Clayton and his brother-in-law, Robert, worked as sanitation workers.   In the late 1960’s, Clayton and Mildred added to their nest with the birth of their daughter, Cheryl. Providing for his family became Clayton’s top priority.  Both Clayton and Robert realized that they needed to make more money in order to care for their families. Robert got a job at the Paper Company; but, without a high school diploma, Clayton felt that he wasn't qualified. But he knew how to fix cars; so, Clayton got a job assessing and dismantling auto parts … an industry he worked in for many years. In the 1990's, Clayton had the opportunity to get a job as an Auto Carrier driver; but it was required that he obtain a CDL license. He was very apprehensive about taking the exam because he didn't think he could pass.  With much encouragement from his wife, Clayton took the test and passed at his first attempt!  He spent the rest of his career working for Bill Seas Towing.  He and Bill Seas were not only business associates but became great friends.  He traveled up and down the east coast and even flew to Florida to drive vehicles back to New Jersey. In the mid to late 1990’s, Clayton visited a neighborhood church with his wife and subsequently accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.  He then attended church services regularly and looked forward to dressing up in his church attire.  All who knew Clayton commented on how nice a dresser he was.  Clayton often helped his wife distribute food baskets and holiday toys to needy families throughout their community.  In later years, he served as a volunteer for Family Promise of NJ. He drove the van that transported families from Family Promise’s central office to the church that would be hosting them for the week. He was always willing to help someone in need.   As the Hill family grew, Clayton became a grandfather and even a great grandfather.  He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed the time he spent with them.  Each of them had nicknames that only he would call them. In 2005, his wife Mildred passed away, which was a devastating loss for the family.  Although it wasn’t easy, Clayton continued to press forward. For the next 15 years, Clayton was a caring father, loving grandfather, devoted friend, and faithful church member.  In a beautiful turn of events, his daughter Cheryl officially became his Pastor and whenever she would have a preaching engagement, Clayton would be there, anxiously anticipating the Word of God.  In 2019, Clayton experienced a stroke that would alter his lifestyle considerably. In spite of that difficult circumstance, he didn’t give up.  He was committed to living his best life, one moment at time.  On August 26, just a few days after his last stroke, God, in his Sovereignty, called Clayton home.  He was in the presence of his two children who held each of his hands as he took his final breath. Clayton was loved by almost everyone who knew him.  He had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile.  He was a car enthusiast and a sports fanatic.  We are all better for knowing Clayton Hill and we’re certain that his wife is beaming as she meets him at the Heavenly Gates. Clayton was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Mildred Pugh Hill; his sister Delores "Feeny Cake" Jones; his brother Thomas "Jack" Hill; brothers-in-law, John, George and Frank Pugh; sister-in-law, Charlotte Pugh; special cousin-sisters, Bea Anderson and Lillie Vessels; special grandson-in-law, Delmar Shaw. He is survived by one son, Clayton Hill Jr, of Somerdale, NJ; one daughter, Cheryl Hill-Herder (Darryl) of Wilmington, DE; special daughter, Linda Taylor; one grandson, Teirre James of Swedesboro, NJ; three granddaughters: Toria Shaw of Pine Hill, NJ, Roxanne Hill of Somerdale, NJ and Seren Herder of Wilmington, DE; eight great grandchildren: Jason James of Swedesboro, NJ, Jayla Stone, Anaya Stone, Devon Shaw of Pine Hill, NJ; Haven Bryant of Somerdale, NJ; Christian Shaw, Reagan Shaw, Cameron Shaw of Pine Hill, NJ.  Four siblings: James Hill (Iretha), Gerald “Duke” Hill (Michelle), Pamela Hill (Kenneth Jeter) & Christopher Hill (Theresa), all of Virginia; a special cousin-sister, Mary Harris (Kermit); brothers-in-law, Robert “Killer” and Willie “Buster” Pugh; a special niece-daughters, Lene Inge and Lisa Veney; special nephew-son, Robert Pugh; special cousins Virginia Corbin and Trolous “Lucky” Washington; a special friend of his and his late wife, Brenda Miller; special surrogate son, Dwayne Hickman and various nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, church family and friends, all of whom he adored.