Johnny Hill

Johnny A Hill, better known as “Bucky,” was born on February 11, 1954 in Sewanee Tennessee, to Loretta Hill. He was the younger brother to Robert, (recently deceased) and big brother to Mike, Regina, Terry and Jerry. Bucky spent a large portion of his childhood living on the farm with his Aunt Annie & Uncle George and his cousin/sisters Liz and Florence. He was baptized in the Episcopalian church and his faith brought him solace and comfort throughout his entire life. Johnny’s childhood included some of his favorite activities such as football and fishing which followed him into his later adult life. While Johnny never married or had children-he was the “funcle” to a great number of nieces & nephews and had tremendous love & connection to all of us many cousins, aunts, and uncles. Bucky valued deep and lasting friendships and kept some very close friends over the course many decades.

Bucky eventually moved to Boston where he remained in the same neighborhood for more than thirty years! He was a neighborhood staple who everyone knew and treasured! Like a true local he loved his go to spots such as Harper’s Ferry-a local bar in Brighton/Allston, where he enjoyed his love for music, dancing, and talking to everyone. You would have thought he could have been the Mayor with everyone he got to know over the years.

He was a DIE-HARD Lakers fan and the chances that you stopped by his place while a basketball game was on, it would be the Lakers. Along with watching his team play, he most likely always had rice and beans cooking, and yes, as they say down south, “he could burn”. To continue the die-hard traditions, he was an avid Grateful Dead fan (perhaps more appropriately a groupie). He traveled all over the United States attending their concerts accounting for well over 50 shows. The vision of him hanging on the other side with Gerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Ron McKernan, Keith Godchaux, and Brent Mydland, sure does bring a smile to many. His signature Locs were a nod to one of his other favorites, Bob Marley. It was little pieces like that, his hair, his deep belly laugh, and sweet smile that made him who he was and able to be easily picked out in a crowd.

After some years, Johnny was able to move his brother Terry up to Boston to live with & care for him, later allowing Terry to thrive. In late 2018, Bucky’s own health needs created a struggle, and he moved out to Tucson and initially lived with his brother Robert and sister-in-law Christa. Just prior to Covid, Bucky moved into an assisted living facility in Green Valley and immediately became a favorite of the staff and the other residents. With no surprise, he decorated his room with lakers, Grateful Dead, and Marley memorabilia. He loved the Zumba classes and taking drives to the Foothills/Mountain ranges of the Tucson area. Bucky was happy and well taken care of but recently his health took a turn, and he passed peacefully and pain free in his sleep.

You may go to the website below dedicated to Bucky and share memories and condolences to the family. Cards for the family can be sent to Jerry Hill at  140 Joseph Daniel Ln, Jasper TN 37347