Louis and Donnie Hill, of Hitson, TX reared six children: Tom, Ellen Elizabeth, Mable, Albert, L.V. and Thee. Albert was the last sibling of his family to pass. His father worked for cotton farmers around the Hitson area and it became a family affair. Everyone did their part. Each had a job to do, even the smallest of children. His mother helped pick cotton and took care of her family. Albert said he started picking cotton when he was just “a little bitty fella”. The family had a love for baseball, with Albert always playing catcher. Most of the Sunday afternoon games were played in the homestead pig lot.Albert was drafted in 1943. He always said when you were drafted during WWII, you didn’t have a choice of which branch you would serve in. They just went down the line….Army, Navy, Marines. Albert was assigned to the US Navy. He had never even seen the ocean before, but luckily, never suffered a day from sea sickness. Albert was assigned as a gunner to the USS Taylor, a naval destroyer, He served on the USS Taylor from August 28, 1942 to September 2, 1945. The USS Taylor was selected by Admiral Halsey to escort his flagship, the Missouri, into Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender. The USS Taylor also transported correspondents to and from the Missouri for the surrender ceremony.Albert worked as a Chevrolet auto mechanic in Andrews and Big Spring, TX. He later became the maintenance supervisor at the Texas State Hospital in Big Spring, TX, where they lived 42 years. With age and health issues they moved to Midland, TX in 2008 to be close to their son. Albert spent the last three years living at Manor Park, Younger Center.Albert and Merle spent their free time gardening and dancing. They absolutely loved to square dance and country western dance. Albert could grow anything and always had an extensive vegetable garden. Albert was also an avid hunter. He had two trusty coon dogs, Baldy and Red, which he hunted with. Together, they hunted raccoons, deer and other animals.Albert had known Merle “Penny” Jenkins all his life, they attended school together and were married on November 18, 1945. They have two children, Tommy Wayne Hill, Sr., wife Barbara, of Midland and daughter, Joyce Ann Pantelemon, of Orlando, Florida; two grandsons, Tommy Hill Jr. and wife Amy of Midland and Shawn Pantelemon of Orlando, FL; one great grandson, Charles Albert Hill and two step grandsons, Weldon and Waylon Kelley of Midland, TX; and one great great step grandson.Albert says the greatest achievement of his life has been staying happily married for almost 73 years. Merle said, “We had to work hard to make a living, but not to keep our marriage together”. They will celebrate their 73rd anniversary in just a few days, on November 18, 2018. They are proof positive that young love can last a lifetime.The Hill Family would like to express our deep appreciation and sincere thanks to the Manor Park Staff and Caregivers, your love and kindness to Albert and the family will always be remembered.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Parks-Faudree Family Chapel at Manor Park. All floral offerings should be taken to this location.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
