Gary Joe Hill

Gary Joe Hill (7/28/52 - 10/12/21) is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ray Hill and Mildred Johnsey Melton. Gary moved around a lot as a child but eventually settled in Longview, graduating from Mark Morris High School in 1969. He decided to join the army after high school and was helicopter crew chief in Vietnam. He served his country for 2 years, 3 months, and 3 days. After becoming a civilian he moved to Seattle and grew his hair and beard for 2 years, 3 months, and 3 days. He then attended broadcast school and began a career in radio. He went on to receive a BA in Broadcast Communications and then worked at KLTV for 22 years in total. Gary also spent 6 years as a long-haul truck diver and traveled to 46 states and 3 provinces. During his travels as a truck driver, he took advantage of the opportunity to visit friends and family along the way but was always happy to make it back home to the Great Northwest. Gary was very active in his community involved in so many projects his children can’t list them all including being on the board for the local Red Cross chapter, and most notably 35 years with the Pioneer Lions Club, where he found his second family. As an active member, he held multiple positions and never hesitated to volunteer his time. Gary was lovingly known as Gar Bear because of the big bear hugs he gave. He will be remembered as someone with a big heart who loved the company of others. He is survived by his sisters: Donetta Risley, Brenda Rooney, and Janet Hill, by his daughters: Gretchen Hill and Jessica Masters, and by his 5 grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.