For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there I laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.  (II Timothy 4:6-8)

Edward Charles Hill was welcomed into the world on August 23, 1949 by parents Marie Hill and James Hill, Sr.

Ed accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Liberty Baptist Church. After many years, he united with Independent Community Church under the leadership of his uncle, Elder Tommie Bradford.  In 2009 he became a member of Valley Bible Church pastored by Dr. Phil Howard.

Ed completed his education in the Richmond Unified School District. After graduating from Harry Ells High School, Ed joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he specialized as a Radio Relay Operator.  Upon completing his military service, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Peggy Newman.  God blessed their union with two beautiful daughters.

His love for family and friends was evident in everything he did. Always willing to give a helping hand, he was called upon to help with anything and everything, from repairing cars and building fences, to fixing plumbing and building home additions.  Ed was like the apostle Paul when he said, “if you need me, send for me.”  And the entire family did send for him at one time or another – and he came. He was there to help answer questions and interpret diagnostic test results, speak with the doctors to help family understand what was going on and give them peace of mind about treatments and procedures.  Ed was a person that was easy to love.  He would never intrude or hurt anyone, and anyone who met him could not help but love and respect him.  Known for his great sense of humor, he would always have a smile and a joke to share.

Ed’s first “real job” was warehouseman for Chevron Chemical Company in Richmond. While there, he learned to drive trucks and later taught his brother Stevie to drive trucks as well.  This experience gave him many laughs as he recounted escapades of “Driving with Stevie.”  But his greatest joy was the work he performed as a Cardio-Pulmonary Technician at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California for 25 years.  His caring attitude, knowledge and exemplary work ethics earned him recognition as “Employee of the Year.”

In addition to watching baseball and basketball, he enjoyed working in the yard with his wife and checking off items on his long list of “honey do’s.”

“There is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to live and a time to die.” (Eccl. 3:1-2) On May 19, 2018 God reached down from heaven and moved his child Edward from labor to rest.

Ed was preceded in death by his father, James Hill, Sr., brothers Kenneth and Steven, and sister, Jacqueline.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years, Peggy Hill. His mother, Marie Hill; daughters Tanisha Alessio (Doug) of Concord, CA and Jennifer Gray (Brian) of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Terri Coleman of Vacaville, CA and Beverly Harrison of Vallejo, CA; one brother, James Hill, Jr. of Sacramento, CA; two grandsons, Tyler Alessio and Brian Gray, Jr.; one godson, Justin Dismuke; four aunts, three uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.