John Grover Hill, 92, was born on February 3, 1933, to the late John Stephen Hill and Ruth Ella Hill in Crisfield, Md. Surrounded by his loved ones at home, John peacefully surrendered to God’s call on Friday, July 11, 2025.
John G. Hill was educated in the public schools of Somerset County, Md. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1955. During his lifetime, he worked various jobs: He worked for Campbell Soup Company in Pocomoke City, Md for (4) four years, hosted fishing boat parties for several years and drove tractor trailers. The love of driving trucks influenced his decision to start his own company, John G. Hill Inc., in 1994. At one point, he had a trucking fleet which included tractor trailers and dump trucks.
On December 25, 1968, John married Regina Bacon; thus began a lifetime partnership that lasted 56 ½ years. From this union, one child, Joan, was born who pre-deceased her father a little over a year ago.
Although he appeared to have a stern disposition, his “bark was worse that his bite”. If he was able to assist someone, in any way, be it big or small, he would always do so without hesitation.
He was a people-person. He never met a stranger. He was known for some of his sayings, such as, “Go ‘headdd”. Many of his peers referred to him as John Grover; however, he also was known as Buddy Roll, Big Money, and Road Runner.
John G. Hill was diverse and enjoyed a variety of hobbies/activities. He loved boating, fishing, motorcycling, attending drag strip races and playing cards, just to name a few. He trained as an amateur boxer while serving in the Army. This led him to be an avid fan of professional boxing, and he never missed a match on T.V.
In addition to his fleet of trucks, he owned all kinds of cars, motorcycles, and boats. He often used his personal vehicles in annual parades, such as Labor Day weekend, the Elks’ Organization weekend and UMES’ Homecoming Parades.
He also loved landscaping and gardening, like his mother, Ms. Ruth Ella. He was meticulous in every area of his life, including dressing. This was also a trait he shared with his mother.
He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee and a former member of the United Methodist Men.
He was the oldest living member of Union Lodge #33 F&AM, where he served for over 33 years.
He was honored as the “2008 Businessman of the Year” by the Pi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi for being an entrepreneur, and mentor to other young men interested in becoming truck drivers. Prior to that, he was featured on the cover of Maryland’s African American Pride Magazine, the July/August 2004 issue. He was highlighted in an article titled “Truck Fleet Owner and Businessman of The Year.”
During his illness and transition at home, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren provided him with healthcare that would exceed any medical standard. They were attentive to his every need and showered him with love.
John leaves to cherish fond memories, his loving and devoted wife, Regina Hill of Crisfield, MD; three sons, Gregory Ames (Jeanette) of Cambridge, MD, Curtis “Neil” Hill, of Crisfield and John Tilghman of Wilmington, DE; two daughters, Laverne “Tensie” Hill-Sterling and April Hill both of Crisfield; two bonus daughters, Roslyn Fontaine (Edward) of Camden, DE, and Antoni Sims (William) of Colorado Springs, CO; one devoted son-in-law, Anthony Dashiell of Fruitland, MD; 15 grandchildren, Adrienne Ames, Tiffani Peyton, Tamara Peyton, Brandy Ames-Graham, Jasmine Ames, Eltonio “Tim” Collins (Carol), Andrew E. “AJ” Thomas Jr., Montez S. Collins (Abigail), LaTasha Hill, Davon Collins, Mitchell Sterling Jr., Sade Sterling, Matthew Marcus, Whitney Tilghman, and Shana Tilghman; 32 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one loving, devoted and special niece, Charn Robinson of Philadelphia PA; three sisters-in-law, Anna Burrell of Philadelphia PA, Patricia Cooper of Fairmount MD, and Janice Douglas (Sinclair) of Crisfield; special devoted friends, Troy “Bo” Ward and Kevin Styles; a host of relatives, friends and associates.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by three sisters, Anna Hill Robinson, Carpathia Miles and Ruth Viola Hill and two children, son, Andrew E. “Tony” Thomas and daughter, Joan M. Hill-Dashiell.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2nd Timothy 4:7
Lovingly submitted, The Family
33 Responses
Hill family, we are deeply saddened at the passing of Mr. John. We will long remember him as an iconic example of longevity and and hard work. May God bless you as you navigate this very sad storm.
With deepest sympathy,
George, Lloyd, and Samuel Ward
To Mrs. Regina and the Hill family im sorry for your loss of Mr. John. Im sending my prayers and condolences to you and the entire familly during this difficult time. Mrs. Regina im praying that God gives you and the entire family, healing and comfort and strength. R.I.P. Mr. John. Gone too soon but never forgotten
Miss Regina and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr John’s passing,.I pray you find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. We will all see him again. Rest in peace Mr. John.
Merrian-Webster dictionary:ROLE MODEL
THANKS 2 WHOEVER BIRTHED HIM 2 SHARE WITH THE WORLD!
Within my family we have talked about Mr. Hill on many occasions and shared many funny stories about him. Mr. Hill was a kind hearted man who worked with us after purchasing his boat many years ago and guided us through many learning hurdles and supported us until we had gotten our sea legs. The Lanier family of Philadelphia, Pa offers sincere condolences to the entire Hill family in their time of Bereavement.
What treasured sweet memories I have in the past visits long ago with the family of Crisfield, Maryland. Much love and prayers to the family…
Mr. John was very nice person and Mrs.Regina is a sweetheart, sorry to hear of the passing of your love one may God’s peace and love comfort the family. RIP Mr. John!
To The Family of John Hill : Sending my prayers and love to you and your family. I pray that God will keep you doing this difficult time. If you need anything from us we are just a phone call away.Love Maria Jones and Cre Corbin.
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. John Hill. My heart goes out to all in this time of sorrow.
Heart felt condolences to the family 🙏🏽 I pray that God will give you all the strength that you need to endure this great loss 🕊️❤️
I heard the bell toll softly. Then again and again. Oh what an effort of love. His spirit rang and rang again, this time louder across the countryside to the village of Hempstead NY. I hear you. I hear you John. 🎶 IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL 🎶 I’M HOME…We who still abide rejoice with the family and all who loved him. God, continue to bless and strengthen John’s beloved wife REGINA…His Backbone. His joy. His peace. His heart 💖
My deepest condolences to the family!!! May God you strength and comfort during this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
To Mrs.Regina and family I am truly saddened to hear of your loss to be absent from the is to be present with the Lord. My sincere condolences
Ms. Regina…..I am so sorry to hear of the loss of John. He was always so nice and had a smile on his face. He truly was one of my favorite customers! I know he will be missed by many.
Debbie at Cato (Pacific Pride)
My condolences to the family at this time and may God continue to bless and keep you is always my prayer.
In my lifetime, there’s no Crisfield memories without Mr. John Hill and many others who went before him. They made the town’s foundation and good memories. Ms. Regina and family, you have my heartfelt condolences and I wish you peace and comfort. God Bless You!
To Mrs Regina and familyy prayers and sympathy goes out to you and the family during your time of sorrow especially to my niece Whitney
Condolences to cousin John’s family. May the Lord surround you with peace, love and comforting during this time of sorrow. Surely His grace and mercy will cover you and I will be praying for the family. 🙏🏽🙏🏽💜💜
My condolences to the Family and I pray that GOD gives each of you strength and comfort during this difficult time! Mr. John, I’ve known all of my life! A very small gentle Giant and soul in Crisfield! Always laughter and good advice from him!
A Legend!!
My deepest condolences to the family 🙏🙏
Praying for Mr. Hill’s entire family🙏🏾
Condolences and Prayers 🙏🙏 for Mr. John’s family. He was one of the sweetest and kindest souls I ever met. I’m sure he’ll be missed by all who knew him. Mr. John is now one of Gods Heavenly Angels. 🕊️🙏
We’re so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr, Hill. WE send our deepest condolences & prayer’s
to the family ,
Our condolences to cousin Regina and the Hill family. Earth has no sorrows that Heaven cannot heal 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I was saddened to hear the passing of my cousin John Hill.I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord. Love you cousin Regina and family. I am maria Jones youngest daughter.
Sending my condolences to each and every family member and friend. Mr. John was a pillar in our community and his legacy will never end.
Regina and family, I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of your husband , John Hill. My deepest condolences to you and your family, I am praying that God will comfort you during this season of grieve.
Love n Prayers♥️🙏🏾🌹
Shellie Whittington-Jones
May the Lord continue to shine upon you and your family.
To Mrs Regina and the Holl family. I was saddened to here of the loss of your love one Mr. John. It bought memories of the years you lived on Tyler Street. I send my most heartfelt condolences. I pray that our Lord Jesus the Christ wrap you in his loving arms to bring you comfort during this your time of sorrow. Bishop Stetson Elroy Lane, Jr. ENON BAPTIST CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE TYLER STREET CRISFIELD MARYLAND
My condolences to the family I will always Remember Mr John from umes days coming in the oasis for his soul food dinners such a kind soul always with a smile 🙏🙏🙏
My condolences to the Hill Family.
Mr. John was a very special man.
He always encouraged me whenever he saw me.
May his soul rest in peace
Mrs. Regina and family sending prayers to you all. So sorry to hear of your loss.. Its been years since we have talked but I can remember how kind you both was to me.
I was saddened to hear of John Hill’s passing, I will always remember him especially when I needed a car to ride in during UMES Homecoming parade. He always accommodated me and I was so grateful for his kindness, and his smile,”He was like family because he and my late Uncle James Jones were like brothers. Condolences to Mrs, Regenia and the rest of the family.]