Benjamin "Ben" Hill

CHURCH HILL – Benjamin James “Ben” Hill, 16, of 1547 Christian Bend Road, passed away Monday (July 24, 2006) following injuries received in an auto accident.

Ben was a life-long resident of Hawkins County and was a senior at Volunteer High School and was a junior member of the Goshen Valley Fire Department. He was also a clogger with the Tennessee Hoedowners dance group.

He was baptized July 12, 1998 and joined McPheeters Bend Baptist Church. Ben was an AIMS Scholar, Who’s Who among American High School Students 200,

ETSU Talent Search Participant Appalachian Fair youth advisory board member, 4H Camp Counselor, was organizing Southern Fire Car Club and restoring a 1963 Chevy Impala, and organized Paintball Team. He loved to hunt, build models and lego’s. Ben had just spent two weeks earlier this year touring Spain, France and Italy.

He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandmother, Maggie Carey Short; maternal great-grandfather, Hiram Anderson; paternal great-grandparents, James and Emma Kerns Hill, App Hubbard and Millie Hubbard.

He is survived by his parents , Bri­ an and Kim Short Hill, Church Hill; one brother, Aaron Lee Hill, one sister, Brianna Hill, Nicole Hill; maternal grandparents , Freddy and Loretta Short, Church Hill; paternal grandparents, Carl and Betty Hill, Mount Carmel; maternal great grand­ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Short, Jonesboro; and Ruby Anderson, Kingsport; aunts and uncles, Ginger and Steve Walters, Alan and Dora Hill, Keith and Karen Hill, Gene and Carla Head; special cousins, Jessica Larkin and Scott Hill; several other cousins; best friends, Ian Bailey, Derrick Minor and Dakota Owens.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home, and anytime at the residence. Services will be conducted on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Dale Cook officiating. Graveside services with Firemen ‘s Honors will be conducted on Friday at 11 a.m. at Christian Bend Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be members of the Goshen Valley Volunteer Fire Department.

Honorary bearers will be friends and members of the Tennessee Hoedowners Association.

The family requests those desiring may make memorial contributions in honor of Ben to the Goshen Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 2224, Church Hill, Tenn. 37642.

Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Hill family.