It is with regret we announce the passing of Leland “Sam” Hill, age 88, of Fayetteville, TN. Sam died at his home in the early hours on Friday, April 10, 2020.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home. Interment will be in Westmoreland Memorial Park in Greensburg, PA in the spring of 2021.
Mr. Hill was born on March 23, 1932 in Harrison City, PA to the late Stella Baughman Hill and Jacob Hill. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Willa Mae Hixson Hill, his parents, and his sister, Marilyn Hill Murdock. Survivors include his two children and their spouses, Gregg and Cynthia (Shrader) Hill of Fayetteville, TN, and Kim (Hill) Fields and Ed Fields of Dallas, TX. He is the grandfather of four grandchildren, Travis (Drew) Bennett, Logan Hill, and Teddy and Thomas Fields and many nieces and nephews.
Leland grew up in Yukon, PA and graduated from Sewickley Township High School in Herminie, PA, class of 1950. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Air Force. Leland was retired from Copperweld Southern where he enjoyed a long career from March 1960 until March 1996, including 18 years as Plant Engineer at the Copperweld facility in Fayetteville. He was a lifelong Methodist, first belonging to Downtown United Methodist Church in Madison, PA and later First United Methodist in Fayetteville, TN. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and uncle. He was avid gardener and golfer and enjoyed seeing pictures of his great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 200 Elk Avenue North, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Madison United Methodist Church, 254 Main Street, Madison, PA 15663.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Leland “Sam” Hill.
Mr. Sam always seem to offer some challenging insights in our Disciple classes over 25 yrs ago, some that remain etched in my heart as I write. Sympathy and Peace.
Gregg and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Hills passing.
Greg and Kim: this has been a strange season, but your father lived his life with grace and love. He loved you and the community of his faith. I was blessed by his ministry as I am sure he loved you.
We thought so much of Mr. Leland and Mrs. Willa. They were fine people and an asset to Fayetteville & Lincoln County for many years. We send our sympathy.
Leland always had such an incredible glad-to-see-you smile. Willa and he were such awesome partners in sharing God’s love. ‘So sorry that these strange COVID times keep us from hugging some of your sorrow away. Stay safe.
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Sam’s passing. I worked at Copperweld with him for 20+ years and during that time I learned that he may have been a little gruff on the outside, but he was such a teddy bear on the inside. Keep him and Willa in your hearts and they will always be with you.
Gregg & Kim, We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Both he and your mom were such fine, upstanding people and leaders in our church. Willa and Leland are sorely missed.
Sorry for your loss
Kim and Gregg, Our family extends deepest sympathies on your dad’s passing. It is with joy that we remember him and that he lived a long and full life. His memory and his wonderful pictures live in us all.
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Hill’s passing, however he is now with his dear Willa. Enjoyed years of being their neighbor and visiting each week as our daughter took piano lessons.
Mr. Leland always greeted me with that sweet smile. He is missed.
So sorry to hear about Mr.Hill’s passing.Nickie and I had the honor of knowing such a fine man..Always had a smile on his face…Thinking about you and the family at this time…
Kim and Gregg, We were deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a wonderful uncle and gentleman, always fun and inspiring. Our hearts go out to you and your families.
Gregg and Cyn are thoughts and prayers and with you all. No matter when you seen Mr. Hill he would always take time and talk to you. Loved your mom and dad they were a wonderful couple. Love, Russell and Lisa Reed.
A wonderful man !
Thought your heart holds deep sadness at Sam’s passing may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared and the love that will always be a part of you. Cindy Fields
Kim and Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will surely be missed!! He and Willa
made a good team.
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sam’s passing. He along with Willa made such a positive impact on our Church in so many different ways. He will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are sadden to hear of the passing of your Father. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family at this time.
Lenace Hyde
Loved Sam like a second Dad. He was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for those he loved. Hated moving away from them but the fond memories we made together as neighbors will stay forever in my heart. Condolences to all the family.
Leland and Willa were such special friends. So many wonderful memories, especially centered around music and the church.
Leland & Willa were always so welcoming and friendly! We enjoyed, so much, our time with them at First UMC Fayetteville. He was a wonderful, godly man and will be greatly missed!!
Gregg and Cyn,
We will always remember Mr. Sam and Mrs Willa sitting to our right ( unless She-was in the choir) in church! They were so kind , and we are truly sorry for your loss. Prayers that Our Lord will comfort you, and give you peace ,knowing that they are with Him!
Mr. Leland was a true Christian gentleman. He is with his beloved Miss Willa.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hill. Gregg, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Buntley’s
So sorry to hear the passing of sam. Our thoughs and prayers are with the family may god give ya’ll comfort during this diffult time. Roger work with sam he was his bossman he said he was a good man. he will be missed always had a smile on his face. rip sam fly high my friend love you till we meet again.
So sorry to hear this. Mr. Hill was always so very kind to me many years ago.
Gregg, Sorry about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Ken and Jacki Pamplin
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I have great memories of both your parents growing up. Love to you all.
I had the pleasure of working with Sam when I was Copperweld Southern as the marketing manager. Sam was a pleasure to work with. He embodied all that you could ask for as a person and a coworker.
Gregg and family, we are saddened to hear of your loss. Prayers with y’all at this time. Love, Ricky and Christi Howell
I’m so sorry to hear about Sams passing. Him and Willa was loved by our family. Always enjoyed seeing them at Altmeyer’s and later at Walmart after we closed down. He will be greatly missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.