Gerald Ray Hill, age 84, passed away peacefully Dec. 19, 2020, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. Jerry was born in Burley, Idaho, July 29, 1936, one of three children born to Sterling and Geneal (Williams) Hill. He spent his youth in Rupert, Idaho, before serving in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1977. He then served in the United States Army from 1977 to 1978.
Jerry spoke fondly of his time at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he became life-long friends with Jerry Marvin. He later moved to Virginia where he met his first wife, Brenda Chamberlain, at an LDS singles function. They were married in 1963 in the Logan Temple and later settled in Midvale, Utah, to raise their six children before divorcing in 1986.
After moving to Tooele, Jerry met Jo Ann Taylor and they were married May 25, 1988 in the Jordan River Temple. They enjoyed 22 years of adventure and travel before Jo Ann’s passing in 2010. Her death devastated Jerry and he longed to be with his sweetheart again.
Jerry loved to play the harmonica, to write (especially poetry), and to visit with family and friends. He was something of an inventor – his main tools being duct tape, PVC pipe, cardboard and plastic. He was a gentle soul who loved animals, nature, and all things beautiful. He was a quiet man with a soft heart. He will be greatly missed.
Jerry is survived by his children: Mike (Cherlyn) Hill, Debbie (Wade) Kirkpatrick, Jared (Veronica) Hill, Chris (Angela) Hill, and Diana Hill; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and his brother Dan Hill. He was preceded in death by his wife Jo Ann, his son Brian (Dawna) Hill, his eldest brother Ruland Hill, his sister Darla Hill, and his parents Sterling and Geneal (Williams) Hill.
Jerry is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A viewing for Jerry will be held Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, from 11:30 to 12:45 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m., at Tate Mortuary, Tooele, Utah.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Shriners Hospital-Salt Lake City, where his eldest son received medical treatments during his childhood.