Howard Lee Hill

Howard Lee Hill was born November 4th, 1944, in Carr Lane Missouri to Harold and Nellie (Swofford) Hill, he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones July 18th, 2025, in Springdale Arkansas at the age of 80.

Howard’s faith and hard-working nature began at a very young age. He was a part of the Southern Baptist faith that his grandfather was a preacher of. He grew up on his parent’s dairy farm and milked cows with his brothers every morning before school. By age 12 he was picking up rocks for cash and at age 14 began work stocking shelves at Williams Supermarket then became the head butcher after attending Berryville High School.

At 19 he married the love of his life, Donna (Ellis) Hill. They had a love for going on trips with one another including being baptized together. To their family they are the most true and selfless form of love anyone could strive for in 61 years together.

Shortly after getting married and still a full-time butcher at Chafin’s Supermarket, he joined the volunteer Berryville Fire Department where he proudly and selflessly serviced his community and surrounding areas for 20 years. Three of those years he served as the Fire Captain and five of those years he served as Assistant Fire Chief. His dedication and caring nature for his community was apparent in many ways. He was one of the many firemen who went door to door on his own time for 8 months soliciting funds to help towards the purchase of the City of Berryville’s first set of the “jaws of life.” He then trained at the Police Academy and continued to service his community as a member of the Berryville Police Department. He proudly and selflessly wore that uniform for many years too. He also served on the Berryville Chamber of Commerce and assisted with securing funds for the community’s summer youth program and baseball field renovations.

During this time he and his wife, Donna, had three children, Deborah, Kristie and Greg. He loved watching, coaching, and being actively involved in all his kids’ school activities and programs and taking them on family beach vacations.

Later in life he discovered a new passion, the car business. He was a natural at his position in sales and sales manager at Davis-Barr.

He proudly represented all the brands he sold and was named Pontiac Master Sales Guide of the Year two years in a row. Howard then had his most favorite role in life; becoming a Poppy to Tara, Tate, and Mariel. He was also ecstatic about becoming a great-grandfather in the last few years to Lynlee. Nothing lights up his eyes more than being a Poppy to all of them.

Howard loves his family fiercely. He is an honest man, has an infectious smile, and loved always providing for his family. His favorite things include fishing on the lake, cars (especially the fast ones), Arkansas Razorback sports, spending time with his family, and bargaining over deals.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents; brother, Dean Hill; and sister-in-law, Cherlyn Hill. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Hill; his daughters, Deborah Lea Williams and Kristie Jeanette Hill/Patton; his son, Gregory Howard Hill; his granddaughters, Tara Jo Davis and Mariel Kristin-Lea Williams; his grandson, R.Tate Jordan Patton; and his great-granddaughter, Lynlee Jo Davis. As well as his sister, Edna Smith; brothers, David and wife Vikki Hill, Harlan Hill, Bobby and wife Vaughn Hill, and various nieces and nephews. Howard’s deep love and commitment to his family will continue even after his death.

As we all grieve together, we also rejoice together because of Howard’s belief in the Lord our Savior we know we will someday again see our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend in his purest, healthiest, and most joyous form.

For as cowboys say, “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon.”

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2025, at Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jeffery Tanksley officiating. Burial will follow at Berryville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Berryville Fire Department, PO Box 647, Berryville AR 72616. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.