In keeping with his wishes to spend his last days at his home, Joseph Richard Hill, 96, went to meet his Lord in Alpharetta GA on Feb. 3, 2021.  During his declining days he was surrounded and cared for by his loving family.

Joseph was born and raised in South Pittsburg, TN and a lifelong fan of the University of Tennessee sports.  He embodied the heart of the Greatest Generation by helping his family survive the Great Depression and proudly serving his country in World War II.  Upon his honorable discharge from the US Marine Corps, he was a staff sergeant who served in the Pacific on Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa, and the occupation of Japan.  He was awarded a good conduct medal and a unit citation for action in the Pacific.

After returning home from overseas, he attended Tennessee Technological University where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering and most of his career was spent working on power plants across the U.S.

His passions included fishing, gardening, reading, keeping up with current events, yardwork and traveling. He remained active until an illness in the fall precipitated the deterioration of his health.

Mr. Hill was preceded in death by his adoring wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen King Hill, and his parents, John and Annie Hill, as well as his 9 brothers and sisters.  He is survived by his daughters: Pat Montgomery and Jan Dobbs (Mike Morrison); by his second wife Kathlyn Hill; and by his grandchildren: Erika Jenneman (Scott), Michael Hawkins (Susan), Aaron Hawkins (Jaime), Joseph Cronan (Kristina Sanna), and Cady Girardeau (Joseph).  His ever-expanding family is his legacy.  Due to his long life, even his great grandchildren Benton Jenneman, William Jenneman, Nathanael Hawkins, Aura Hawkins, Logan Hawkins, Dylan Hawkins, Aspen Hawkins, Addison Cronan, Everett Cronan, and Emma Cronan were fortunate enough to know their great grandfather and how much he loved them.

Throughout his life his family was told by many people who knew him that "Joe" was one of the best men they ever met.  Many stories were passed on about his kindnesses, understanding, patience and willingness to mentor others.

Joseph will be grieved for and missed by a family that count themselves blessed to have him as the kind-hearted and loving patriarch who taught them all how to live an exemplary life.  To them, he was their true North—their teacher, supporter, corrector, guide, counsellor, and source of unconditional love.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 9th at 12:00 pm(CST) at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg Chapel with Rev. Joe Moore officiating.

Visitation will be at Roger Funeral Home, South Pittsburg from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm prior to chapel service.

Interment will follow at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens.

Pall Bearers: Michael Hawkins, Aaron Hawkins, Scott Jenneman, Joseph Cronan, Joseph Girardeau, Benton Jenneman

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to a hospice or a veteran's organization of your choice.