Tonie Hill was born on November 23, 1907, in Johnston County, North Carolina, to Fred and Tempy Stancil Hill. He had black hair and gray eyes.
Growing up in a large family, Tonie had many siblings, including Delia, Ronia "Ronie," John Fletcher, Millard Lee, William Moses, Pearl, James Clarence "Jim," George Preston, Edgar Resley, and Floyd Jackson "Jack." He also had half-siblings Arthur, Wilbert, and Nancy.
After Tempy Ann died and his father Fred married his Aunt Arnettie, he was forced to live with other relatives, including a time with his brother and wife Millard and Zilphia.
On August 18, 1932, Tonie married Ludie Edwards at Clarence Hill's home in O'Neals Township in Johnston County. Witnesses were Clarence Hill, C.L. Bailey and Earnest Renfrow.
Recorded in O'Neals Township by W.M. Johnson. Witnesses listed: Clarence Hill, C.L. Bailey and Earnest Renfrow. Source: Johnston County Register of Deeds, Page 39
Ludie was born on November 22, 1915. Together, they built a life in Kenly, North Carolina, where Tonie worked as a farmer. Tonie also loved to hunt.
At 32 years old, Tonie registered for the draft on Oct. 16, 1940. On the draft card, he was listed as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds.
The couple was blessed with six children: Braxton, Ralph, Josephine, Phillip, Billy Wayne and Jeri.
Tonie and Clarence Hill along with other men gathered at the store at Moore's School House to play checkers and cards.
Tonie and Ludie shared many years together until Ludie's passing on July 4, 1988. She was buried in New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church on Route 2 in Kenly.
Tonie continued to live on Route 2 in Kenly, cherishing the memories of their life together. After a period of failing health, Tonie passed away after a heart attack at the age of 82 on September 11, 1990.
Tonie was laid next to Ludie at New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church.
Their legacy lives on through their children and the many lives they touched in their community.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil
