Obituaries

Benjamin Henry Hill, world traveler, music lover, and Razorback football fan passed away on November 4, 2018 in Sherman TX at the age of 78.

Born May 20, 1940 to the late Dr. Thomas and Coye Hill of Hot Springs, AR, Ben graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR and went on to receive his Master’s Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ben combined his passion for music and education to become a celebrated, award-winning band teacher. After retiring from teaching, Ben began a successful second career in financial services and insurance.

Ben became a resident of Sherman after meeting his wife of 17 years, Julie Ellis Hill. They shared a love of travel, books, and Julie’s home cooking. Ben became a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he and Julie made lifelong friends who enjoyed traveling together. One of their favorite destinations was their annual trip to the Arkansas Derby where Ben got to indulge in another of his other favorite activities—horse racing. Rumor has it he never left the racetrack losing more than he won.

Ben is survived by his wife Julie Ellis Hill of Sherman; his three children, Thomas Copeland of Nashville, AR (wife Dawn); Kevin Copeland of Nashville, TN (wife Kelly); Lauren Calhoun of Fayetteville, AR (husband Whit); two step-children, Brandon Starr (wife Laura) of Dallas, TX; Virginia Starr Grubbs (husband Steve) of New Canaan, CT; six grandchildren: Alexa, Edie, and Milam Copeland, Piper Calhoun, and Finley and Ellis Starr; and his brother Allen Hill (wife Gayle) of Laurel, MS.

A memorial service will be held in Sherman at a later date.