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Monday, 06 February 2012
 

MSGT EDWARD PERSHING HILL, U. S. AIR FORCE (RET.)

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - MSgt. Edward Pershing Hill, U. S. Air Force (Ret.), 93, of Savannah, Georgia, widower of Alice Mary Runger Hill, died Friday night, May 14, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a short illness.

Born and raised in Peekskill, New York, he was the youngest son of the late Abraham Lincoln Hill and Julia Dunegan Hill. In keeping with his family’s strong sense of patriotism, Mr. Hill joined the Army Air Corps at the start of World War II. He proudly served as turret gunner on B-17 bombers with the Eighth Air Force stationed at Snetterton Heath Air Base in England; and although he seldom spoke of it, Ed flew over 25 combat missions as part of the American liberation forces in France and Germany. He later served with post-World War II occupation forces in Japan and also participated in the Korean War. His last duty station before retirement was at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah as Flight Line Crew Chief with the Strategic Air Command. In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Alice Mary Hill.

Surviving are his son, John Edward Hill of Savannah, Georgia; two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Patrick J. McGarl of Marietta, Georgia, and Mary Alice and Gary E. Smiley of Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Hill was the proud grandfather of five: David Edward Bittner of Nashville, Tennessee; Julie Sehl of Richmond Hill, Georgia; James M. and John M. McGarl, both of Atlanta, Georgia; and Kevin Smiley of Kingsland, Georgia; and was the proud great-grandfather of seven: Jordan and Jacob Sehl, Lauren and Patrick Sullivan McGarl, Matthew Patrick McGarl, and Shelby and Trevor Smiley.

The Rosary service, conducted by Monsignor Francis J. Nelson, will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Avenue, with the family receiving friends afterwards until 4 o’clock.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o’clock Monday morning at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church conducted by Father Jay Madden, S. J. Interment, with full military honors, will be in the Catholic Cemetery.




Online Condolences (2)add
... : Patrick J McGarl
What a great Father in law Ed was! We never had a cross word in the 42 years that we knew each other. He always made me feel that he was glad to see me when I visited a sad to see me leave.
Just like his golf shots that were straight down the middle, Ed was the picture of consistancy in his life. He never veered left or right. You always knew what to expect from Ed. I have much to be thankful to Ed for. Most important, his lovely daughter Barbara,to whom I have been married for 40 years. Secondly , Ed taught me many lessons. One of these was how strong a Marriage can be. He was married to his wonderful wife Alice for 56 years before she died of Alzheimer's. Although Alice barely recognized him, Ed visited her almost daily for years while she was in Assisted Living. When the visits ended, he bent over and kissed her and told her at least three times that he loved her.
Ed's Srength of character and his spirituality can be clearly be seen in the three children that he and Alice raised. He was so proud of all of them and they all loved him dearly. I am so proud and lucky to be Ed's son in law. I loved him and will miss him greatly.
Patrick J Mcgarl
May 18, 2010
... : Michael David Adams
I know this is a year later, but I would like to send my condolences for the loss of Mr. Hill. I am the half brother of Karen Adams Hill, who is married to John Edward Hill, Jr. I have not seen my half sister in a very long time, and would really like her to contact me if she wishes. I am pretty sure this is the same hill family she married into. Karen's father's name is Thomas Michael Adams, and her Mother's name is Phyllis Kay Gordon. Please make sure that whoever reads this will tell Karen I would like her to call. Thank you, and once again, my condolences for your loss. Phone number is 336 883 0878, Address: 3102 East Kivett drive, High Point, North Carolina 27260
April 13, 2011
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