Deacon Roosevelt Hill, Sr.

     The Life & Legacy of Deacon Roosevelt Hill, Sr.

“And the king said unto his servants,

Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?”

~ II Samuel 3:38

     With humbled submission to the will of God, we stand with this most precious Hill family, we celebrate the life, legacy and love of Deacon Roosevelt Hill, Sr., who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. He was one who loved his family with all his heart, and not only nurtured his family, but enriched and empowered the lives of all he came into contact with.

The Man of a Lifetime:

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower…”

- Job 14:1-2

     On Tuesday, December 31, 1940, life was bestowed upon Roosevelt Hill, Sr. in countryside of Newsoms, Virginia to the loving and capable hands of the late Oscar V. Hill and Willie Bell Hunt Hill. Roosevelt grew and developed into a compassionate and hardworking young man! Being reared in a Christian home, he learned the true value of a relationship with the Lord. This relationship started when he acknowledged Christ as his personal savior and later became a member of the Faith Outreach Tabernacle in Franklin, Virginia. It was there that his love for God was deepened and spiritual gifts nurtured, as he was a dedicated and faithful member of this ministry. He highly esteemed the Lord and gave God his all as he served the church in various capacities. While on his spiritual journey, Roosevelt was ordained a deacon. He held this ordination in very high regard, as he was often called upon for guidance and wisdom.

The Mission of a Leader:

Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.

- Viktor E. Frankl

     Roosevelt matriculated through the Southampton Public School System late. Upon completion of high school, he sought opportunities to establish himself as a well-respected and skilled young man who was known for his ability to be a gifted community leader. Realizing the desire to impact his community and country, Roosevelt enlisted in the United States Army and served for three years. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Southampton County and sought employment at Hercules and later became gainfully employed with the Southampton County Public Works Department, after a 35+ year tenure he retired. He also believed in giving back to his community by seeking additional ways to assist those in the community, Roosevelt coached the Boykins Bulldogs Lil League Football Team. His community was near and dear to his heart, but so were the sports - you could catch him playing and participating in various baseball teams especially the Southampton Cardinals & Holland Aces.

The Message of Love:

“If I can do my duty, as a good man ought, If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,

If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught, Then my living shall not be in vain.”

     Roosevelt knew the power of love and didn’t mind sharing it with his family, friends and community. He chose his first love and sweetheart, Virginia Benton Hill, to be his lifelong companion and wife. They united in Holy Matrimony and committed to this love for 52 years. In this union, a family was formed producing five children - Pastor Roosevelt Hill, Jr., Roger C. Hill, Christopher L. Hill, LaToya Smith and Annette Benton . He was a family man, and nothing was more important than his family. His love was imparted to his children and grandchildren by showing them a hard work ethic and unique personality that will never be forgotten. Roosevelt’s heart for his family was unconditional and will be missed by all who knew him. Because of his outpouring kindness and service to his family, God gave him favor...a family that loved and supported him...friends who cherished him and were ever present during his life. He was a person who was concerned about the well-being of others and never met a stranger. His family was near and dear to his heart. He was also avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan.

The Memories of Life:

“A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone.” “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4: 6-7)

     On Friday, August 28, 2020; while in the care of Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Virginia, Roosevelt peacefully slipped into eternal slumber. His seeds are well-sown; his service on earth is complete, and he now experiences the victory and triumph of eternal life.

     “The clock of life is wound but once, And no one has the power, To tell just where the hands will stop, At late or early hour. To lose ones wealth is sad indeed, To lose one’s health is more, To lose one’s soul is such a loss, As no one can restore. The present only is our own, Live, love, toil with a will, Place no faith in tomorrow, For the clock may then be still.” We, who are bound by treasured ties of affection and love to embrace the memories of time passed: his beloved wife of 52 years, Virginia Benton Hill; his children, Pastor Roosevelt Hill, Jr. (Sheritta), Roger C. Hill (Martha), Christopher L. Hill (Dominique Bradley), LaToya Smith (Kevin) and Annette Benton; fifteen grandchildren, Roosevelt Hill, III (Shanta), Kevin, Shernita, Rashad, Krystal, Tonee, Alyshia, Shakiya, Chasity, Craig, Isaun, Shania, ZyAsia, KyAsia and Roger; eighteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Roger L. Hill (Yvonne); two brothers-in-law, Larry Benton (Sharon) and Gary Benton (Valaida); two sisters-in-law, Edith Benton and Louise Benton; nieces, Melissa, Ava and Lisa; nephews, Tony, Calvin and Willis; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews (a special great-nephew, Durrell Hill); special people, Martinez Ellsworth, Tim Woodley and Chris Ricks.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest,

God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.

His life and legacy will forever live on.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Deacon Hill's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Deacon Roosevelt Hill, Sr.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

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