Ralph Joe Hill

Ralph Joe Hill, 82, Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Clarendon, Texas.

Services were held Saturday, October 20, 2012, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon, with Rev. Larry Capranica, Rev.Charlie Floyd, Rev. Chris Downer, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Ralph was born July 19, 1930 in Sunset, Texas to O.T. and Nola Lowrance Hill. He married Janie Lee Butler Hill on February 29, 1952, in Clovis, NM. He was a cowboy for several area ranches, an electrician for Household Supply, as well as a deputy for the Donley Co Sheriff’s Office. He was a lifelong resident of Clarendon. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. To follow are a few things you should know about Ralph. To know him was to know the definition of a husband, a father, and grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend. Beneath a tough exterior, he held in himself a hear the size of a sunset. And behind his definite eyes there was a deep, rare, guiding wisdom that taught him to cherish the people that were important and to be patient with everyone else. It was a wisdom that taught him that money only matters for the things you need. That love, more than anything, should define the life you lead. And that God could stay in your heart daily, even if you keep it to yourself. To know Ralph Hill was to be present for that which defines strength and loyalty, love and forgiveness, joy and character. And much like a cowboy on horseback, riding off into a deep, vast distance, his character was, for those who knew him, synonymous with the spirit of the Texas country. A spirit that could teach us all to stand tall and stay honest. To be proud, not arrogant. To care for family and provide for them everything they need. To pick your battles but to take no guff. To rely on yourself when you can, and others when you need to. To work hard but love harder. He was a shining example of what life should be.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janie Hill on January 14, 2012; 3 brothers Nolan, Orin Lee, and Ross Hill; a sister Nita Fancher; and a great grandchild, Randy Joe Hill, Jr.

He is survived by 3 sons; Danny Hill and wife Debra, Tommy Hill and wife Brenda both of Clarendon, Randy Hill and wife Kay Lynn of Canyon; a daughter Linda Hill of Clarendon; a special niece Belinda McGranahan and husband Rick; 9 grandchildren, Dakota Hill, Jadon and Jake Thornton, Jarad Lax, Gabe Hill and wife Amanda, Katy Miller and husband Matt, Jenny Baker and husband Justin, Courtney D’Costa and husband Chris, Lauren Shadle; and 11 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens.