Kenneth Ward Hill

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 Tippah County and the community of Falkner, MS lost a beloved son on April 14, 2025, when Kenneth Ward Hill passed away at his home at the age of 86. There are so many ways to describe this mountain of a man; he was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Kenneth was generous to a fault, helping to improve the lives of so many. He was indeed, a born “Road Builder”, in more ways than one. He was a natural equipment operator—he just had a knack for it, and loved a challenge when it came to projects—the higher degree of difficulty, the better. Kenneth had a strong work ethic, he never held a grudge, & he loved his Jesus, his family, his friends, his country, and Ole Miss sports with his whole & huge heart. His youngest granddaughter, Anna-Grace Hill, shared this sentiment on social media which perfectly captures his personality & life. “Honoring this man known to many as “Bull”—a nickname that spoke to his strength, grit, and unwavering spirit. My grandad was a hard worker, a natural leader, and tough as they come. He taught us the power in perseverance. His legacy isn’t just in what he built (a multitude of things, by the way), but in who he was: strong, steady, and deeply loved. We’ll carry his spirit with us, always.” Kenneth was born in Falkner, MS, to Robert Blackburn and Juanita Welch Hill. He attended Falkner High School after which he decided to join the Mississippi National Guard. He served in the Mississippi National Guard as a tank driver & heavy equipment operator & was honorably discharged in 1959. In 1978, he and his brother Gerald Hill, brother-in-law Clyde Ray Robertson, Ray Carter and John Hill partnered to create Hill Brothers Construction Co., Inc. Kenneth served for more than 30 years as CEO until his retirement, but continued to contribute his wisdom and experience for many more years. He was a Christian and a lifelong member and elder of Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty “Bebe” Carolyn Crum Hill of Falkner; sons Kenny (Lynn) Hill of Ripley & Rob (Lana) Hill of Falkner, and daughter Beverly (Danny) McAlister of Falkner. He was “PawPaw” to his grandchildren; Kenley McAlister, Caleb (Bonnie) McAlister, Savannah (Kevin) Orman, Keaton Hill, Lee Hill, & Nolan (Leigh-Ann) Hill, Josh (Summer) Hill, Reed (Kelsey) Hill, and Anna-Grace Hill. He was also “PawPaw” to his great-grandchildren; Ella McAlister, Kendyll McAlister, Brantley McAlister, Emmett Person, Emerson Person, Tucker Orman, Levi Orman, Ruby Orman, Jude Hill, Rivers Hill, Breezy Hill, Waylon Hill, Sawyer Hill, Ellis Hill, & Jovie Hill. He is survived by siblings Gerald (Sherry) Hill, Alice Horton, Myra (Robert) McKee, Grace (Clyde Ray) Robertson, Janet Quinn, Barbara Waldon, Karen (Donald) Bates, Cathy (Richard) Griffin, brother-in-law, Stanley Young, sister-in-law Bobbie Jean Hill, and a host of nieces & nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents & siblings Bobby Hill, Eugene Hill, Jimmy Hill, Nita Green, & Lane Young. His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Butch Robertson, Chuck Duncan, Robert Wilkerson, Melvin Hill, Jim Gaillard, Gerald Hill, John Hill, Clyde Ray Robertson, Glen Inmon, Randy Jones & Gary Mauney. The family would like to thank his caregivers for their attentive and loving care these past few weeks; Linda Rutherford, Stella Turner, Kathy Crawford, Gwen Evans, Trista Rogan, & Linnie Selmer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or Gideon International (Ripley Gideon Camp) PO Box 4, Ripley, MS 38663, or the charity of your choice.

Kenneth Ward Hill

December 17, 1938 - April 16, 2025