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Coach Willie Frank Hill was born April 26, 1924, to William and Lillian Hill in Terrell and departed this life on April 2, 2008. He became a member of Wesley Chapel CME Church at an early age. While teaching in Stamps School District, he met his wife of 51 1/2 years, Opalene Hayes. To this union, three children were born.
Coach Hill graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Greenville in 1942; Texas College in Tyler in 1950 with a B.A. degree in history; and was certified at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce). He also pledged Phi Beta Sigma. While attending college he was drafted into World War II, served two years and then completed his college education. He was employed in Okolona School District (Arkansas, one year), Stamps School District (Arkansas, two years), Arkadelphia School District (Arkansas, four years) and the Geenville School District (16 years). He coached football, basketball and track all of his years teaching in the different public schools.
While in Greenville Junior High, his team was named “Hill’s Angels,” aka “Hell’s Angels.” Other memorable moments — the checker king of Greenville (especially with Tave Fleming and Jap McCurdy), carried a board that burned many a behind and drove a motorcycle at the age of 50. "Coach Hill" as he was known by most of the GHS Class of '79, leaves to cherish his memories, his wife; four children, Amanda Casselberry (Larry) of Greenville, Stephanie Paulden (Moses) of Grand Prairie, Felicia Davis (Richard) of Greenville and Clifford of Killeen; a sister, Ethel Faye Evans of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren L.A. Scott, Gabrielle McCormick, Amber Casselberry and Evan Paulden; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. But most of all, Coach Hill loved his family. His parents; one sister, Dorsey Hood; and one daughter, Wendy Dawn, preceded him in death. Burial was in Grundy Memorial Park.
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John Motley
Coach Hill was one of best teachers and coaches that I ever had! He was an awesome individual who had a tremendous impact on every student, athlete and Drivers Ed student that crossed his path. I had the opportunity to play football for him in Jr. High where Karl Lowry and I were probably the smallest center/quarterback combination in the history of the school, but Coach Hill was always there to help me along. In 8th grade, he asked me to help him as the equipment manager for the 9th Grade basketball team and I can remember all of our roadtrips where he would let me help carry the McDonald's food on the bus for the players. It was a big deal for a young punk kid! I had him for P.E. and for History and he was also my Driver's Ed instructor. It seemed that no matter where I turned in the 1973-77 timeframe, he was there to mentor me along. I ran into him and Mrs. Hill at a Greenville football game a few years ago and they both looked great! He'll always be the best coach that I ever had!Billy Joe Stiggers
Coach Hill helped me to become all that I am today. He was there for me in 1977 whem my father died. He was the one who taught me how to drive and many other things that I was not even aware of at the time. There will never be another Coach Hill... MISS YOU MUCH!Lisa Wallace (Reeder)
Coach Hill was my history teacher in 7th or 8th grade. That was the year Mitchell Bell died. I remember loving that class. Coach is probably the reason I love history so much. I used to see he and his wife walking in the mall like so many people do nowadays. He always seemed so ageless. The last time I talked to him I think I remember him saying he was close to 80. It was amazing how fit and active he still was. Of all the teachers and coaches in Junior High and High School who touched my life, Coach Hill probably had the greatest impact. I will remember him always and fondly.Jennifer Harrison (Kelley)
After reading his obituary, I realize that I taught his grandaughter (Amber) when she was in third grade. That was my very first year to teach third graders and it was one of my most memorable. Amber is such an amazing young woman and although I didn't know at the time who her grandfather was I can now see so much of Coach Hill through her. I just wished I had known it at the time that I had her in my class. Small world!