Obituary of William Wallace Hill

ASHTABULA – William Wallace “Bud” Hill, 77, of Lake Road passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 at his home. He was born February 6, 1943 in Ashtabula, the son of Granison Jasper and Elsie (Warren) Hill and had been a lifelong Ashtabula resident. A 1961 graduate of Harbor High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Specialized Studies from Ohio University. He served in the National Guard 107th Armored Cavalry 1966-71. On June 24, 1967 Bud married the love of his life, Alix Broughton and together they have shared 53 wonderful years together. His professional career began with the WW Hill and Sons family business, followed by several years as Vice President for Broughton Beverages. He then worked as a buyer for Carlisles’ on Main Ave. Following that he worked briefly as an independent representative of fine jewelry for a Cleveland firm. His growing financial expertise then brought him to Society Bank as Trust Officer, followed by becoming Treasurer/Fiscal Officer for the Buckeye Local Schools. Upon his retirement, he served in the same role on an interim basis for Newton Falls School District and then the Conneaut School District, before Ashtabula Area City Schools recruited him as District Treasurer/Fiscal Officer. Bud Hill pursued his service and education passions through numerous boards including The Ashtabula Foundation (President and Secretary/Treasurer), The Ashtabula Arts Center Foundation, James L. Smith Foundation, Searcy Foundation, the Ashtabula County Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, A-Tech Board of Education (President) and the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center (President) for several years. He led numerous Education Levy Campaigns for public schools and was an active member of the Buckeye Schools Music and Athletic Boosters. Always active in community groups, Bud also served on several boards including Lights on the Lake, Lakeside Society for the Performing Arts – Pipe Organ project, Ashtabula Arts Center Board (President), Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Sand Barrens Committee, and the Ashtabula Scenic River Committee. Kent State Ashtabula honored him with the Community Service Award in 2016 and in 2018 he was inducted into the AHS/HHS/LHS Alumni Hall of Fame. His special interest was the challenge of building pipe organs. “I love to tinker,” he said. He rebuilt and provided a large pipe organ in memory of his mother in the Shea Civic Theater, then after it closed, relocated it to his home. It was central to their large Christmas parties through many years and recently, the Hills donated parts of that organ to new homes in Boston and California. He was always active “behind the scenes” with the Ashtabula Playhouse Theater and the Green Door Follies as stage manager. He was a strong supporter of the Chautauqua Choir and organ/music programs, directed by Jarod Jacobson. He and Alix hosted gatherings for the Choir in their home where they spent most of their summers on Chautauqua Lake. He also served on the Chautauqua Escapes HOA Board. His love for boating included membership in a number of boating organizations and activities over many years. He was part of a sailing crew, racing in many Lake Erie regattas. He led the Youth Sea Explorers/ Sea Scouts, teaching boating safety to young people. Bud was a longtime member of Second Congregational Church (where he also rebuilt the organ) and also attended First Covenant Church where he was a Youth Group Leader and a member of the Young Families’ Gatherings. His faith was always demonstrated in good deeds and help to others of all ages. Bud is and will always be remembered as a good friend to thousands who would do anything he could for the betterment of the community. In addition to his wife Alix Hill, his memory is cherished by their two sons, Steven Edward (wife, Gretchen) Hill of Ashtabula and their children, Granison William and Tyler Jamison, and Toby Granison (wife, Susan) Hill of Jupiter, Florida; his brother, Richard Warren (Kathy) Hill of Florida; step-brother Richard Benham; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Clifford C. Bowdler, his sister, Forrest Ann Buck; and step-siblings, Joan Benham and Joyce Bowdler. The public is invited to a Celebration of Life with playing of the organ by Victor Marsillio to be held 2:30PM (organ prelude starting at 2PM) on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the Lakeside High School Performing Arts Center, 6600 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula. All are welcome to this big room for this big life and masks are recommended. Rev. Glen W. Warner, Pastor Emeritus of Second Congregational Church will officiate, assisted by Pastor Bruce Wyand of First Covenant Church. No calling hours will be observed. A private burial service for family only will be at the family plot in Monroe-Kelloggsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Western Reserve Land Conservancy, 3850 Chagrin River Rd., Moreland Hills, Ohio 44022, or The Ashtabula Foundation Rising Scholars Fund , 4510 Collins Blvd. Ste #6, Ashtabula Ohio 44004, or Hospice of Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 or First Covenant Church 3300 Carpenter Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements. www.ducro.com. Copy and paste the following link to watch the memorial service- https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-service-for-william-wallace-bud-hill-167618