Wilbert Ray Hill

Ray was a wonderful person and fine companion. I was so lucky to work with him for over 30 years. Initially he assisted me to supplement his day work and then became full-time, enabling me to travel. We went to meetings and vacations all over the country and in France and England. Everywhere we went, Ray made friends easily. After he retired, lots of people, including neighbors in Florida, my academic aids, doctor colleagues, relatives, and even transporters and ticket people at Cincinnati Airport, remembered him and ask about him. Ray was part of our family and we were all sad when he retired. However, we all have fond memories of our time with him. In addition to his kindness and willingness to help out, we remember the many things that made Ray who he was: his stories about Korea and Germany, traveling to Alaska, and growing up in the Carolinas; his friendly banter with everyone from transporters at the airport to doctors at national meetings; his love of spearmint (not peppermint) candies, his singing; his passion for the Game Show Network, especially Price is Right and Jeopardy (at high-volume as he got older); his being chased east on I 275 by an F4 tornado; his taste for shrimp; his ability to learn and pick up new skills, such as sterile technique; his luck with cars; his enjoyment of being outdoors and driving the tractor; his getting a bicycle and trying to ride at age 80; and his love for and pride in his family. A good learner, Ray mastered his work skills quickly and became very proficient. As important, he was compassionate and easy to be with. Poppy and I were fortunate and honored to be with him for those many years. We send our condolences to all of you, his family which he has supported and which has been so supportive of him. Love, Hugh and Poppy

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.