Funeral service for Bob Hill, also known as Bill Terry, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 12 at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Lana Williams will officiate. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
Bobby Hill, son of Albert and Effie (Bryant) Hill, was born June 30, 1932 in Mooreland, Georgia. He received his education in Raymond, Georgia. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Korean War. While at Fort Lee Virginia, awaiting shipment to the South Pacific for participation in the Operation Greenhouse an officer of the 82nd Airborne Division asked for volunteers to go to Eniwetok Atoll Island in the Marshall Islands. With six brothers, having served during WWII and one who spent time in South Korea, Bob volunteered to go. He was later sent to Korea where he was assigned to the 27th regiment of the 25th Division. After a brief stay on the line, Bob became the Company Baker and shipped out to Koje-Do Island near Pusan. They were then sent back to the front line to assist at Heart Break Ridge and finally Punch Bowl. After twelve years of service Bob was discharged in 1961, attaining rank of Mess SGT FC E6.
Bob was an extremely talented musician and began entertaining during his time in the Army at the USO shows in Korea, becoming known as “Bill Terry”. In 1955 he had the honor of performing with the Second Army Show Mobile Unit #1, for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bill organized a bluegrass band called the “Green Hill Playboys” and won the Second Army Semi-Finals All Army Soldier singing contest.
After returning from the service, Bill’s musical talents gave him the opportunity to travel all over the United States. He had the joy of entertaining with Tom T. Hall, the 1957 All Army Country Music Champions, the Quartermaster Wranglers and many acts from the Grand Ole Opry. He spent a year with the Carroll Smithers Band and two years with the Mac Bird Band. After playing drums and singing for these groups, he added guitar to his repertoire and began the Bill Terry and the Four Stars band. He also played and sang in the Bill Terry and Denny Kintzi Duo, sang with Lloyd Bottin and the Silver Blue Band. Bill recorded his music in the IGL Studio, and was inducted into the Iowa Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
On Aug. 11, 1979, Bob was united in marriage to Linda Banwart in Spencer. They had the joy of raising eleven children together. Besides Bob’s musical career, he also worked as a salesman and a carpenter.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, V.F.W. Post #2295, and K.W.V.A.
Bob loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Even though he traveled during the week he was usually home on the weekends to enjoy his family. He collected records and C.D.s as well as Coca Cola memorabilia and had a great interest in trains.
Bob passed away Friday, May 5, 2023 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Effie Hill; seven brothers; three sisters; an infant granddaughter, Michelle; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Beverly Banwart.
He is survived by his wife, Linda of Emmetsburg; his children, Eric Hill of Havelock, Iowa, Rod (Theresa) Hill of Commercial Pointe, Ohio, Melissa (Brian) Morey of Mallard, Darby (Tom) Messerole of Pomeroy, Iowa, Molly (Greg) Hecht of Estherville, Robin (Frank) DeHeer of Knoxville, Iowa, Tim Hill of Ankeny, Ellen Hill of Cleburne, Texas, Ed (Darlene) Hill of Grimes, Gordon (Ellen) Hill of Roopville, Georgia and Bobby (Cheryl) Hill of Clifton, Texas; twenty five grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; his faithful companion, Buttons; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
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