Willard Meinardi Hill, Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 8, 2026, in Goose Creek, SC.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

He was born on January 8, 1938, in Charlotte, NC, and on his 9th birthday, the family moved to Alcolu, SC, where Willard was raised on what he affectionately called The Farm. His early years were shaped by the values instilled by his parents, Willard Meinardi Hill, Sr. and Bertie Mae Hill while working on The Farm. From a young age, he embraced hard work and responsibility—plowing fields, planting seeds, milking cows, harvesting tobacco, raising chickens, and selling eggs to help support his family. He also found joy in sports during his youth and played baseball, basketball, and football.

Willard graduated from Manning High School and many years later continued his education at the Baptist College of Charleston. His deep-rooted faith guided him throughout his life; he was a born-again Christian and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As a Southern Baptist, he actively served as a member of several churches during his lifetime, Southside Chapel (Citadel Square Baptist Church), Deer Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Goose Creek, Crowfield Baptist Church, and finally Highland Park Baptist Church, in Hanahan, SC, until he and his wife's declining health prevented him from doing so in recent years. He willingly served each church, whether it required the physical labor of repairing the parking lot or fixing the plumbing, caring for his fellow believers as an Ordained Deacon, or faithfully teaching Sunday School lessons with his beloved Bible, he did it all with the heart of a servant of Jesus Christ. 

His commitment to service extended beyond the church walls. Willard proudly served in the United States Air Force in Ground Communications Equipment Repair with tours in Japan and Korea from 1956 to 1960 and continued his service in the 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment of the Army National Guard until 1964. He later became a Colonel in the State Guard Association of the United States South Carolina.

Professionally, Willard wore many hats over the course of his life—business owner, project / construction manager, residential home builder, licensed contractor, plumber, electrician—and he excelled at them all. He could also repair anything from machinery to equipment to cars or trucks—and above all—he was a man known for his integrity and determination. His strong work ethic was evident in every endeavor he undertook.

Willard’s greatest pride was his family. He shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Virginia. Together they raised three children: Angie (Gregg) Fesler of Hanahan, SC; Tim Hill of Summerville, SC; and Cindy Reinhold of Goose Creek, SC. His love extended deeply to his grandchildren: Leah (Gary) Nicholson of Summerville, SC; Bradley (Natalie) Hill of Elgin, SC; Dustin Reinhold of Bloomington, IN; Samantha (Sanders) MacDonald of Bluffton, SC; Cole (Angela) Reinhold of Brighton, MI; Abigail (Will) Newton of Charleston, SC; Grayson (fiance-Hannah) Reinhold of Bloomington, IN—and to nine cherished great-grandchildren: Murrey, Andi, Asher, Oaklynn, Indy, Charli, Ceara, Oliver and Ayla.

He is also remembered by his siblings Danny (Donna) Hill of Columbia,SC; Diana Nesbitt of Cayce, SC; Kenny (Deborah) Hill of Little Mountain, SC; Steve (Nan) Hill of West Columbia, SC; Becky (Barry) Chilcott of Charlotte, NC, and Betty Andrews of Silver Springs, FL—as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Willard was predeceased by his parents; his grandson Andy Fesler; and his brother Charles Hill.

A man of many talents—avid reader and self-taught Bible scholar among them—Willard lived each day with purpose. He was a loving provider with a strong will who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or share wisdom gained through experience. Whether helping a neighbor, or offering guidance as “the best dad a son or daughter could ask for” or 'simply being a supportive father-in-law” or "a steadfast friend," he led by example—with loyalty to those he loved most.

May Willard’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as an enduring reminder that a life rooted in faith and hard work leaves behind blessings that span generations. To honor this remarkable man whose life reflected faithfulness in every season, a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Ridge Baptist Church, 2168 Ridge Church Rd, visitation begins at 2:00pm with service to follow at 3:00pm.