Lawrence E. Hill Sr., 79, of Jacksonville, IL has joined our heavenly casino on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

He was born March 8, 1945, in Jacksonville, the son of Russell and Ruth (Keltner) Hill.

He married Alice Curtis Egan on Aug. 23, 1964, and she preceded him in death Jan. 5, 2016.

Larry and Alice were blessed with three children, Alice Marie Hill (deceased), Larry (wife Sandy) Hill Jr., and Brandy Jones; grandchildren, Sam (Wes) Burton, Madelynn Hill, Jacob Jones; stepchildren Ryan (wife Mekel) Bergschneider and Mandy (husband Steve) Jay; Larry's companion, Freda Deitsch; two brothers, Jim Hill and Dean Hill; two people that he loved like daughters, Holly Elmore and Jeanette Surratt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one brother, Melvin Hill (surviving wife Elda.)

Larry was a 1963 graduate of Jacksonville High School. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. He retired from the Jacksonville Fire Department after 25 years of service. He also co-owned and operated Hill Brothers Appliance and Larry's Landscaping. He had also worked and retired from ISVI after 19 years of service.

He was best known for his kindness, generosity, and hardworking spirit. Larry enjoyed fishing, softball, horseshoes, Texas Hold-Em, playing pool, cooking, and attending auctions. He especially enjoyed gatherings with his family and friends. His friends and co-workers will remember Larry as a good cook, a prankster, being competitive, and always willing to help. He was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge, the Amvets, the VFW, and the Morgan County Boat and Ski Club.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be held later at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to a fund to assist his grandchildren's education in care of Larry Hill Jr. or Brandy Jones. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.