Ollie Fulton Hill, a man remembered for his sweet nature and compassionate spirit, led a life marked by both personal struggles and enduring family connections. Born and raised in Johnston County, North Carolina, his journey eventually led him away from his roots, though his final resting place brought him back home.
Early Life and Family Roots
Ollie Fulton Hill was born on June 14, 1924, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the oldest child of Delanie Stancil Hill and Henry Raymond Hill. Ollie was known to be handsome, with a natural ability to treat animals with compassion, a trait often compared to his grandpa, Harvey.
Marriage and Fatherhood
On November 6, 1948, Ollie married Virginia Dare Barfield in Johnston County, North Carolina. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Denver S. Blevins, with William C. (Carl) Stancil, Mary Rachel Howell, and Vessie Irene Stancil Joyner serving as witnesses.
Virginia, the daughter of Sidney and Mary Emma Carter Barfield, was born on July 11, 1928, in Snow Hill, North Carolina.
Ollie and Virginia had one son, Donnie Ray Hill, born on July 27, 1955, in Wilson, North Carolina.
Personal Challenges and Separation
Despite their marriage, the situation between Ollie and Virginia became increasingly difficult. There were instances where Ollie's struggles with alcohol caused concern for Virginia and neighbors. In one documented incident, after a visit to Bertha while intoxicated, neighbors intervened, and Virginia, reportedly afraid, sought help. Another anecdote recalls Ollie's terms for returning home after selling tobacco with G.I.: he would only return if G.I. let the phone ring twice and Virginia didn't answer.
The challenges ultimately led to their divorce on December 4, 1961, in Wayne County, North Carolina. Just a few months later, Virginia remarried Daniel Dale on March 3, 1962, in Goldsboro, Wayne County, and by 1967, she had relocated to Arizona.
Final Years and Passing
In his later years, Ollie resided in Chester, New York. Despite his heart problems, he traveled to Wilmington, North Carolina, for a vacation. It was there that he tragically passed away on July 15, 1967, at New Hanover Memorial Hospital. He was 43 years old. His funeral service was officiated by the Rev. C.S. Creech and the Rev. Royster Martin.
Ollie Fulton Hill was laid to rest in the Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina, bringing him back to his familial roots. At the time of his father's death, his son, Donnie Ray, was 12 years old and living with his mother in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Burial
Son's Legacy
Donnie Ray Hill grew into a master carpenter with a passion for riding his Harley-Davidson. He married Cathy Rose Sutton Newsome on August 20, 1981, in Wayne County. Donnie also had a son, Christopher Brian Hill, born in 1973 in Goldsboro, Wayne, North Carolina. Donnie Ray, who was also a step-brother to Sherri Lynn Dale, passed away at the age of 65 on May 14, 2021, in Zionville, North Carolina. He is buried in Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens in Boone, North Carolina.
Ollie Fulton Hill's memory lives on through his descendants and the stories shared by those who knew him.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil
