Bill Dale Hill

After living every day to the fullest, Bill Dale Hill passed away in his sleep on November 3, 2017.

Bill entered this world in Clarendon., on August 30, 1937. His parents must have given this new baby one look and knew what joy he would bring to others so they gave him the name that just makes you smile — “Bill Hill”. Bill lived his life as a warm, friendly and positive force that made everyone in the room better for knowing him. Bill was a true man of faith and had the gift of making every person he met feel heard and accepted.

After graduating from Clarendon High School, Bill earned both a Bachelors and Masters in Education from West Texas State University. Next, Bill began his career with the Amarillo Independent School District where he opened Puckett Elementary School as the principal. Principal Hill met every Puckett student at the front door to provide love and support for their school day. A hero at school and outside, his large extended family and friends can attest that Bill came to the aid of anyone who needed encouragement during a challenging time. Bill also received the highest national honor from the American Red Cross for saving a man from drowning by lassoing him from a river.

A devoted husband, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Ann Garner, in Clarendon and they were married for 62 years. The two were a dynamic couple both working in education and spending many of their summers as co-directors of a Christian camp in New Mexico. Bill and Mary also worked together at church, charity and fun – cruising and exercising. After retiring from the Amarillo ISD, Bill and Mary moved to central Texas. Bill continued to mentor others and share his expertise as an adjunct professor at Texas State University supervising student teachers.

A man of deep faith, Bill lived a way that all could see the light inside of him. At family gatherings a collective sigh of relief came when Bill was called to say the prayer knowing that his prayer would be a genuine and easy to understand conversation with God that would be sprinkled with humor and never boring. When someone in the family passed away and did not have a “go to” pastor, Bill was the “go to” family member called upon to lead the service. Grieving loved ones knew that Bill would make all that attended feel better. Bill served as a Deacon at Trinity Baptist Church of Amarillo, and later as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Canyon Lake.

Bill is predeceased by his father Dale Roy Hill, mother Marie Hill and sister Phyllis June Damm. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Phyllis Clary and husband Charles, and son Trent Hill and wife Carole. He is also survived by grandchildren, Reed Redus and wife Amy, Rily Redus and wife Rebekah, John Wayne Hill and wife Megan, Naudia Vasquez, Nikolaus Roark, and Alex Clary and great grandchildren, Noah and Emmarie Redus, Sierra, Ella,and Caleb Redus , Ryan and Jace Hill, Lauren Clary. Bill will be forever remembered by his large family and numerous dear friends.

Visitation and services were held at First Baptist Church of Canyon Lake, Texas, on Tuesday, November 7. Graveside service was at Fischer Cemetery at 2:30.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Bill and Mary Hill Fund at the Amarillo Area Foundation. This fund supports numerous charities including Clarendon ones and the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. Amarillo Area Foundation, 801 South Fillmore, Suite 700, Amarillo, TX 79101, 806.376.4521.