“Basketball Doesn’t Build Character, It Reveals It”

Published by Editor on July 28, 2014.
Published under Jefferson County
Tags: feature, front

John Hill

Jefferson County High School longtime Assistant Basketball Coach John Hill unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2014. Hill was a life long native of Jefferson County where he was a member of the Dandridge community. Born on May 6, 1945, John and his late brother, Edd, resided for many years with his Aunt Daisy Vance following the death of his parents, Herbert and Rubye Hill.

John found his passion for basketball early in life and he served as Captain of the Maury High School team while still in school. Years later, following graduation from Carson Newman with a B.S. in Education and a stint as a teacher and coach for the Piedmont Panthers, Coach Hill returned to his alma mater as Head Basketball Coach. He continued his dedication to the sport that he loved and the students that he guided when the local high schools consolidated and Jefferson County High School was created. Beyond the basketball court, John spent many hours instructing students in the skills of road safety as a Driver’s Education Instruction Specialist and it put a smile on many faces to see Hill, coffee in hand, on the local roads with his students.

Though John Hill’s love of the game is indisputable, it took a distant second to the pride and love of his family. Barbara, John’s wife of 28 years, and his son, Andy, brought a new dimension to Hill’s life and he embraced the role of father and husband. Andy has followed in his father’s footsteps and is the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Sevier County High School. Andy said of his father “I didn’t just lose my Dad, I lost my best friend. A wonderful game lead to a great relationship between us and no matter what I embrace next, he will be with me.”

Recently, Coach Hill had retired from full time teaching after 46 years in education, though he continued to substitute and Coach, making the trip to the State with the Girl’s team last season. Hill was on a trip to Crossville, Tn with Barbara to visit family when he passed away in his sleep.

John Hill was known as a good coach, but more than that, he was a good husband, father, family member and friend, and he will be missed. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dandridge on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 7 pm with receiving of friends prior to the service( 4pm-7pm). Interment graveside services will be on Thursday at 11 am at Hillcrest Cemetery. Farrar Funeral Home is in charge of the services.