Carl L. Hill

It didn't take much to make Carl Hill happy. Never one for riches or fame, Carl found his greatest joy in the midst of those he loved. He enjoyed and appreciated the great outdoors and all it had to offer, and did so at every opportunity. Most importantly, Carl loved bringing a smile to someone's day. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, grandfather and brother, and a faithful friend to all who knew and loved him.

In the midst of World War II, the days were filled with the many sacrifices of battle. In the U.S., young men not in uniform were often found dancing the jitterbug with their saddle-shoed sweethearts, or taking in a picture show like Cagney‘s, “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. With many men off to war, women entered the work force in droves and rationing was a welcome sacrifice as everyone did their part for the war effort. Yet for one American family, there was much reason to celebrate. On June 21, 1942, Albert and Ora (McNees) Hill were overjoyed with the birth of a son they lovingly named, Carl.

The fourth of eventually seven children, Carl was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was raised in the community of Portage where his father worked at Kings Paper as a millwright and where his family made their home. His mother, a homemaker, looked after Carl and his older siblings, Audrey, Janet, and Roy, and later welcomed Sid, Mike, and Deb who completed their family.

As a boy, Carl enjoyed all the childhood adventures a young heart could hold. Although on the shy side, it didn't take much for him to poke at his siblings with his uncanny sense of humor. He loved getting a rise out of people and making them laugh which continued throughout his life.

Carl attended the area schools and left Portage Central High School after the tenth grade when he landed a job working at the Malnite Bakery in downtown Kalamazoo. As the world was slowly changing around him, the advent of the 1960s brought forth newfound freedoms for young people. Carl tested his wings by moving to Florida on his own for roughly a year, only to return home to Michigan where he felt he belonged.

Always one to be on the bashful side, Carl was enamored with a young girl named Nancy from his neighborhood. One time when she was walking around the block with a girlfriend, Carl even climbed a tree rather than to try and talk to her. It wasn't until Nancy moved from their neighborhood was he able to muster the courage to call and ask her out on a date. And all it took was for Nancy to say yes and the couple soon began dating. Deeply in love, they were married nine months later in 1966.

After beginning their new life together as husband and wife, Carl and Nancy set out to begin a family of their own with the birth of Carl II. He was followed by Keith and Amanda, and Richard and TJ rounded out their family of seven. As a father, Carl enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his kids. He took his family camping, and trips to Florida and Texas over the years were enjoyed by all. Everyone loved their unforgettable trip to Cedar Point one year, too. Although Carl loved children in general, he was never too keen on animals. The kids had a dog, but that was about the extent of his fondness for animals.

To support his thriving family, Carl worked at Allied Paper Company until it's closure in 1989. A country boy at heart, he preferred the sounds of country music, and whenever he could, Carl loved to go fishing and hunting. Whether it was for deer, duck, or pheasant, he enjoyed hunting anything he could. At home he loved gardening and working in the yard. He also had a workshop in the basement of their home where he dabbled with a little woodworking over the years, too.

Even though he was quiet at first, when he got to know someone Carl would often open up. Carl was a good friend and was always willing to lend a hand. He was a jokester, and liked picking on those around him for a few laughs, but everyone knew he was a kindhearted and generous man. Family gatherings were always enjoyed by Carl, especially if it involved his favorite, homemade macaroni and cheese. He liked his eggs just over easy, but lately switched to southern omelets with sausage gravy. His mouth watered at the mere mention of pecan pie or butter pecan ice cream, his all-time favorite desserts.

More than anything, Carl Hill was a devoted family man. He thoroughly loved the company of his grandkids whom he dearly loved, and he enjoyed teasing them, too! Hard working and a good provider, Carl's life was enriched in numerous ways by those he counted as his greatest treasure, his family. For these things and so much more, the heart of Carl lives on in the lives of those he leaves behind.

Carl L. Hill, age 72 of Vicksburg passed away Sunday, August 31, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. Visit with his family and friends, and view his life story film on Friday, September 5 from 12-1 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (269 649-1697) where his funeral will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location. Carl’s family includes his wife of 48 years, Nancy; his children: Carl II (Cathy) Hill, Keith Hill, Amanda (Dean) Gouin, Richard (Margo) Hill, and TJ (Jessica) Hill; grandchildren: Stephie, Cheyanne, Kourtney, Jacob, Chase, and Blake; his great-grandson, Mark; siblings: Audrey, Roy, Mike and Deb as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Janet and Sid. Please visit Carl’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Heartland Hospice.