Melvin Hill (Courtesy)

Sidney 'Melvin' Hill was born at home in the Mt. Olivet Community of Hart County on May 9, 1949, and entered into rest at home in the Bio Community of Hart County on August 1, 2023, at the age of seventy-four. He courageously fought a three year battle with cancer which was a result of Agent Orange exposure, and passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. 

One of four children born to Sidney Hill and Emma Sue Maxwell Hill, Melvin is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Bobby Ray Hill and Barbara Sue Greenway; and one granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Jean Hart Hill; daughters: Dawn Locke (Paul Poss) of Hartwell, Hollie (Mike) Shaver of Elberton, and Wendy (Michael) Taylor of Martin; brother, David Hill of Hartwell; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Melvin quit school to pursue his dream of joining the United States Army. He valiantly served in the Vietnam War for four years, and served an additional three years in the Army Reserves once returning home. Melvin was proud of his work in the Army and considered it an honor to serve his country. 

He worked in the maintenance department at various textile mills for the majority of his life. Through the Business Enterprise Program of Georgia, which facilitates blind vendors the opportunity to operate food service vending operations, Melvin and Deborah served at various technical schools in Valdosta and Augusta, and lastly at the Lavonia Welcome Center. 

A jack of all trades, he proudly built two homes that his family lived in. Not only did Melvin physically construct the homes he, along with Deborah, built a foundation of love, honesty, and integrity that their large family has grown upon. He used his love of woodworking and construction abilities to remodel various different properties for himself and friends. 

Melvin had a variety of hobbies, but was especially fond of motorcycle riding and camping. He always enjoyed being outside, gardening, and was his family's biggest cheerleader. Our "Pop" and "Papa" had a heart of gold, was always willing help anyone in need, and took care of us all. He was truly was our hero.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at home at 2500 Woodland Way, Dewy Rose, in Hart County. A brief visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, from 12:00-12:45p.m. at Assembly Church in Hartwell. Funeral services, officiated by Melvin's friend and pastor, Rev. Roland Molina, will follow at 1:00p.m. at the church. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum at Memorial Garden of Prayer in Hartwell.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Those wising may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Sidney 'Melvin' Hill.

Courtesy of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors of Hartwell.