Dr. Raymond Hill, age 92, U.S. Navy Veteran, Professor, Auburn University, and professor/department chairman for the School of Education at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Raymond Hill of Lakeland, Florida passed away September 16 ^th , 2021, due to natural causes.

Born in Luverne, Alabama, September 1, 1929, he moved to Lakeland, Florida from Opelika, Alabama on September 1, 1971. He married Dorothe H. Hill of Elba, Alabama on December 20, 1951. They were together 70 years. Dr. Hill received a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University in May 1952 and a master's degree from the University of Alabama in 1967. His doctoral degrees were received from the University of Alabama in 1975. More than anything, Raymond loved to be with his family. He especially looked forward to hosting the family on holidays with a big Thanksgiving Day meal and by playing Santa Clause on Christmas. He was always up for a good, competitive game of dominos or a slice of coconut cake, and Saturdays were happily dedicated to a current project and University of Alabama football wins.

He was a hardworking patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, and a man who would give his shirt for a friend.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dorothe H. Hill; daughters, Darleen Garcia (Lubin) and Ramona Chormann; sister, Martha Lois Mobley; grandchildren, Alyssia Totten (Scott), Nicole Richardson (Johnathan), Kylee Chormann, and Kathrine Lopez (Chris); plus, six great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his son; Joe R. Hill; grandson, Tyler Callaway; parents, Willie Mae Johnson Hill and Billy Augusta (B.A.) Hill; and brothers, Johnson Hill and Billy A. (Gus) Hill.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday September 22, 2021 @ 2:00 PM at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 until 1:45 PM at Hayes Funeral Home prior to services.