Lonnie Everett Hill, Sr.
1945 – 2025
Lonnie Hill passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2025 surrounded by loving family and friends. He was 79 years old at the time of his death.
Lonnie was born October 10th, 1945 to Henry Everett Hill and Jane Elizabeth Hill in Palmer, Tennessee. He grew up as the middle child between brothers Larry and Lee. Lonnie contracted Rheumatic fever as a young boy and spent much of his childhood recovering by earning a quarter for every book he read. Later, when his health had improved, he went to work for his uncle at a local diner where he learned to work hard and serve others.
Lonnie started a career at General Motors in his early twenties. He attended college at Central State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1988. He earned his MBA at Oklahoma City University in 1990. He worked his way up to Safety Training Supervisor at the GM assembly plant in Oklahoma City, a position he held until retiring from General Motors in 2000.
Lonnie was an avid reader, animal lover, student of Scripture, and a gifted marksman. He overcame many obstacles in his life through prayer and perseverance. Over the last twenty years he walked through several trials. In 2000, he lost his eyesight causing his early retirement. It also caused him to lose his driving ability for 13 years. He suffered through three different types of cancer. Despite these challenges his faith grew stronger every day. He continued to be optimistic and his big grin always accompanied his plentiful supply of corny jokes. More importantly, he kept his deep faith in the sovereignty and goodness of God. His hunger for God's Word was such that he was "man enough" to accept a gifted copy of "Women of the Word" to hone his Bible study skills. He loved to teach others about Jesus and was a patient instructor in any given subject.
Lonnie was known within his family, friends and community as a man generous with his time, talents and resources. He was an astute observer and often met a need before others even realized there was one. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and he loved people. Lonnie will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Hill; children and their spouses: son Evan (Lori) Hill, daughters Stephanie (David) Evans, Karen (Corey) Sorensen and Jennifer (Wes) Rosene as well as 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents Henry and Jane Hill; his brothers, Larry and Lee Hill and his grandson, Cole Reed.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Waterloo Road Baptist Church, 3100 E Waterloo Rd, Edmond, OK 73034.