Charles Ray Hill

Charles Ray Hill, 79, died at his home in Searcy, AR on Sunday, November 5, 2023.  He was the eldest son of Raymond Paul Hill and Iris Maxine Liggett Hill of Kensett, AR.  He was born in Little Rock on July 12,1944 and raised in Kensett before moving to Searcy where he was an exceptional multisport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, track and field, and basketball for the Lions.  After graduation he attended and played football at Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University).  He married Carol Hudson in December of 1962 and began his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Little Rock, and he and Carol soon had two children.  He has had many hobbies throughout the years including golf, fishing, tennis, flag football, coaching softball teams, enjoying classic movies and music, and especially rooting for all things Razorback.  He enjoyed attending his childrens' sporting events and experienced many special moments like escorting his daughter when she was homecoming maid and serving as his son’s best man.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Chad Hill (Laura) of Fayetteville; his daughter, Hillary Burns (Brad) of Siloam Springs.  In addition, “Papa Charlie” as he was known is survived by 6 grandchildren, Weston Simpson of Siloam Springs, Dr. Rachel Roth (Remington) of Washington, D.C., Allie Kline (Jordan) of Siloam Springs, Anna Rebekah Hill of Chicago, IL, Taylor Hundley (Chase) of Springdale, and Reagan Burns of Colorado Springs, CO.  He is also survived by his brothers, Samuel Paul Hill (Belinda) and Thomas Duard Hill (Vickie) all of Fayetteville; two nephews, Stuart Hill (Mary Kaye) of Searcy and Spencer Hill (Michelle) of Fayetteville; three nieces, Sarah Smith of Fayetteville, Lisa Green (Ross) of Siloam Springs, and Blaire Rector (Brendel) of Westville, OK; and cousin, Mary Alice Jackson (Clifford) of Brunswick, GA.

Charlie’s life was centered around spending time with his cherished family and his friends at River Oaks Golf Club.  The family would like to sincerely thank Harry Jenkins, Robin Hopper, and all of the members of River Oaks for all of the happiness that you brought Charlie over the years.  He loved you all more than can ever be expressed.  He will be laid to rest at a special place along the Little Red River where his Papaw first taught him to fish as a little boy.  Arrangements by Searcy McEuen Funeral Home, www.searcyfuneralhome.com.