John Welton Hill

John Welton Hill, 88, of Snow Hill, died Friday, February 20, 2009, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born August 10, 1920 in Sign Post, VA, a son of the late Dennie F. Hill and Elizabeth (Riehl) Hill. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He worked his way to the rank of Sergeant and became an accomplished airplane and engine mechanic. He fought in several campaigns in Burma and China, where he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the former V.F.W. , Nelson Holloway Post #10768 in Snow Hill. After the war, he returned to Snow Hill to work for Tri-State Oil Company installing and repairing gas pumps. Upon retirement he used his skills repairing home heating systems and furnaces for many friends and family members. In 1930 he joined Bates Memorial United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, where he taught Sunday school for 56 consecutive years. He had an expert’s knowledge of his bible and lived it everyday. He was always very supportive of the youth in Snow Hill. He was an avid bicyclist and stayed in good physical shape by riding his bike from Snow Hill to Pocomoke and back every day, a 26 mile round trip. After his ride he would normally take a nap, then walk 7 miles. He is survived by a daughter, Laura Hill Layton, and her husband Joseph H. Layton, Jr. of Vienna, MD; a son, John Dennie Hill and his wife Ann Hill of Princess Anne, MD; four grandchildren, John Adam Hill of Salisbury, Matthew Hill and his wife Helena of Salisbury, William Layton and his wife Jennifer of Vienna and Susan Conner and her husband Nathan of Jacksonville, FL; and five great grandchildren, Stephen Layton, Alison Layton, Grace Maggie Conner, Claire Conner and Gabriel Conner. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Maggie (Mabe) Hill, whom he married on August 8, 1943, and who passed March 20, 1999; and infant daughter; and a grandson, Jeremy R. Hill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at Bates Memorial United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, where family and friends may call from 11:00 am to 12:00. The Reverend Mark Avens will officiate. Interment will follow at Bates Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Bates Memorial United Methodist Church, Sunday School Fund, c/o Mrs. Janice Skeeter, 313 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

John Welton Hill

August 10, 1920 - February 20, 2009