Donnie Ray Hill, a devoted father, skilled craftsman, and an enthusiast of the open road, lived a life marked by strong family connections and personal passions. Though his early years presented challenges, he found his calling as a master carpenter and cherished his time on his Harley-Davidson.

Early Life and Family

Donnie Ray Hill was born on July 27, 1955, in Johnston County, North Carolina, the son of Ollie and Virginia Dare Barfield Hill. His early childhood saw significant changes when his parents divorced in 1961, shortly after his birth. His mother, Virginia, remarried Daniel Dale on March 3, 1962, and the family subsequently moved to Flagstaff, Arizona. Virginia Dare Barfield Hill Dale passed away on July 19, 1996, in Glendale, Maricopa, Arizona.

It was in Arizona that they were living when Donnie's father, Ollie Fulton Hill, passed away on July 15, 1967, when Donnie was just 12 years old. Ollie was laid to rest in the Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina. From his mother's second marriage, Donnie gained a step-sister, Sherri Lynn Dale.

Career, Hobbies, and Family Life

As an adult, Donnie developed a remarkable talent, becoming known as a master carpenter. Beyond his professional life, he found joy in his hobbies, particularly riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and shooting guns.

Donnie became a father in 1973 with the birth of his son, Christopher Brian Hill, in Goldsboro, Wayne, North Carolina. Christopher sadly passed away sometime before his father.

Later in life, Donnie married Cathy Rose Sutton Newsome on August 20, 1981, in Wayne County, North Carolina.

Later Years and Legacy

Donnie Ray Hill passed away at the age of 65 on May 14, 2021, in Zionville, North Carolina. He was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens in Boone, North Carolina. Donnie is remembered by his family and friends for his skilled craftsmanship, his independent spirit, and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures.