Earl Lawrence Hill, 97, passed away peacefully at the Randolph County Nursing Home in Pocahontas, AR on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Earl, a lifelong resident of Ripley County, MO and Randolph County, AR was born March 15, 1925, on the family farm near Burr, MO, to Arthur and Pearl Billips Hill.

On September 16, 1949, he married Notra Fayedell Toye who preceded him in death after 68 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his parents and one brother Clarence Hill. Earl was a proud Navy veteran and served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard an LCT in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class on March 18, 1946.

Earl and Faye owned and operated Hill’s Grocery Store at Burr, MO from 1954 to 1970. Earl was a storyteller with an exceptional memory who loved to share (somewhat embellished) tales of his life. Earl wore many hats during his 97 years on this earth, sailor, merchant, carpenter, and farmer but the one he was most proud to wear was neighbor. Earl was blessed to be surrounded by good neighbors and friends and could often be found visiting with them and in later years with residents and staff of the nursing home.

Surviving is one daughter, Deborah (Dale) Combs of Couch, MO and one son, Danny (Becky) Hill of Doniphan, MO; four grandchildren, Kimberly Combs of St. Charles, MO, Nick (Amanda) Hill of Nixa, MO, Jake (Jessica) Hill of Tampa, FL, and Bethany (Jared) Underwood of Thayer, MO; and six greatgrandchildren, Lily Hill, Maddux Underwood, Molly Hill, Izzy Hill, Holden Underwood, and Piper Hill. He is also survived by his dear friend and fishing buddy, Roland Miller.

Earl was a member of the Brakebill Church of Christ. The family would especially like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Randolph County Nursing Home for their compassionate and loving care of Earl for the past five years. They would also like to thank his neighbors Bobby Sorrell, Weldon Grissom, and Larry Hopper for all they did for him over the years.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 6-8 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 1 PM at Johnston Chapel Cemetery in Ripley County, MO with John Harwell officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Johnston Chapel Cemetery Association, 4232 Ripley Route P, Gatewood, MO 63942.