Tommie Hill

A gentle soul with working hands and heart steadfast in faith, Tommie M. Hill walked this earth with quiet strength and a deep love for family, for service, and for the Lord.

Tommie passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, just five days shy of his 82nd birthday

Born in Thomasville, Alabama, Tommie came into the world on June 8, 1943, the son of Judge F. Hill and Evelyn Davis Hill, both of whom preceded him in death. At age 5, Tommie lost his dear brother, James Don Hill who passed away at the age of 8, due to illness. This loss is one Tommie carried close to his heart, shaping the way in which he lived the rest of his days. At 14, his family moved to Selma, Alabama—a place he would call home for the rest of his childhood.

In his greatest act of devotion, on September 29, 1969, Tommie married the love of his life, Elaine Rivers. They shared a strong and enduring bond for over 55 years and built a life filled with love, faith, family, and the sacred rhythm of ordinary days well-lived.

Tommie proudly served 13 years in the Alabama Army National Guard. Though not formally educated, he possessed a mastery of working with mechanical engines. One of the best transmission men in the region, it was known far and wide that he was the one to call if you needed an expert. Tommie could listen to an engine and if something was wrong, tell you exactly what it needed. Over the years, he worked with Chevrolet, Pontiac, Toyota, Dodge, and Chrysler dealerships, finally retiring from Chrysler in 2008, but his legacy of skill and integrity lived on.

In addition to leaving behind his loving wife, Elaine Rivers Hill, Tommie was a father of four. His children carry his heart and legacy forward:

Deborah Hill Thomas (partner Stanley) – Phoenix City, AL

Kimberly Joy Hill Fessler – Wetumpka, AL

Anthony Floyd Hill – Crestview, FL

James Don Hill (partner Melissa) – Spring Hill, TN

He was also proud grandfather and great-grandfather and leaves behind his stories, his jokes, and his love:

Grandchildren:

Makala Canterbury (partner Johnny)- Selma, AL

Megan Henderson (partner Jess)- Burleson, TX

Michael Godwin- Phoenix City, AL

Dylan Fessler- Wetumpka, AL

Jacob Hill (partner Jacklyn)- Crestview, FL

Bonus Grandchildren:

Adam White (partner Cortney)- Phoenix, AZ

Sarah Smith (partner Collin)- Spring Hill, TN

Jake White (partner Katelyn)- Spring Hill, TN

Leah White- Spring Hill, TN

Great-Grandchildren:

Karoline, Lilah, Hudson, Charity, Cannon, Mason, Hadley, Johnny Jr., Daniel, Haven, Luke, and Landon.

Tommie’s life was not without struggle. He faced illness, setbacks, and hardship—but rose again and again, carried by God’s hand. When his time came, Tommie was ready— fully at peace and ready to lay down the tools of this world and take up eternal rest. Ready to see his parents and brother again. Ready to hear, “Well done” and meet his Savior face-to-face. His family takes great comfort in knowing he is now whole, healed, and rejoicing in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Woodlawn Baptist Church Special Needs Ministry, causes close to Tommie’s heart.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 11:00-12:00 at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home with the funeral service starting at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery.

“He has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tommie Hill, please visit our floral store.