Billy Joe Hill

Billy Joe Hill, lifelong Seminole resident, passed into eternal life June 21, 2016 at the age of 72.  Billy was born January 16, 1944 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Harim David and Caldonia Bell (Payne) Hill.   Billy married the love of his life, Elsie Lee (Warden); she predeceased Billy on October 23, 2015, they were married for over 50 years.   Billy was a member of the Bowlegs Assembly of God Church.  He loved going to church as well as working with his hands.  He dearly loved his family and he had a special love for his puppies, Tator and Penny who accompanied Billy to Heaven. Billy helped his mother and father growing up and even helped with the younger siblings until he joined the U.S. Army. Billy served in the United State Army; doing five tours in Vietnam where he received a bronze star, two Purple Hearts and several other medals, and he also did a tour in Germany. Billy also received a letter and valor awards for defending his platoon even when it was dangerous to his own life. He was wounded twice in Vietnam.   Billy leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Vernon G. Hill and wife Kari of Edmond, Oklahoma, Denise Arbuckle and husband Terry of Duncan, Oklahoma, two brothers, James Hill and wife Jennifer of Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, Kenneth Hill of Seminole, Oklahoma, two sisters, Nancy Gordon and Mike of Seminole, Oklahoma and Catherine Payne of Wannette, Oklahoma.  Grandchildren, Kim Rightmire and husband Robert, and Lance Arbuckle and wife Jennifer.  Great Grandchildren, Kristina Rightmire, Dawn Rightmire, Hunter Rightmire, Bailey Arbuckle and Aubrey Arbuckle.  Nieces, Catherine Belveeta Mulder, Sherry Taylor, Susan Hill, Christie Hill, Vicky Hill, Sonqua Hill, Debra Barnes, Donna Bishop, Sandy Boughton, Shelly Diagneault, Julie Hill and Becky White. Nephews, Matthew Payne, Christopher Hill, Skip Hill, Ivan Hill, Jimmy Hill, Randy Hill, Jackie Jones, Orie Hill, Afton Hill, Mark Hill, Shawn Gordon, Chris Gordon, Johnny and Bobby Parker. Many other nieces and nephews and other family and friends.   Billy is predeceased by his parents, Harim and Caldonia Hill, his beloved wife, Elsie Hill, four brothers, Joe Hill, Junior Hill, George Hill and Afton Hill, two sisters, Aretta May and Mary Biswell and by three nephews and one niece, Tony Hill, Darrell Hill, David Parker and Priscella Hill.   A Memorial Service has been planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the Bowlegs Assembly of God Church in Bowlegs, Oklahoma with Rev. Roy Robertson officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army. Interment service will follow at Wolf Cemetery.   Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: July 2, 2016, 2:00 PM Bowlegs First Assembly of God Church located at Hwy. 99 South of Seminole, Seminole, OK 74868