Obituaries

Glennie Gerald “Jerry” Hill Jr., 82, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026, with his family by his side. 

Born on February 22, 1944, in Kinston, North Carolina, Jerry lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, quiet strength, and service to God and others. 

Jerry was a graduate of Kinston High School and attended UNC Chapel Hill. He retired as an electronics technician from Yorktown Naval Weapons Station after 30 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Virginia Air National Guard. In his 50s, he returned to school to finish his degree at Christopher Newport University while his daughter, Christy, was a student there, too. His family was so proud of him for going back and earning his degree, and Christy treasured the time they shared at CNU.

A faithful member of Riverside Baptist Church, Jerry’s Christian faith guided his life. He found great joy in singing in the choir and serving as a deacon. He never missed his daily Bible readings. In recent years, he enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels, where he faithfully served others in his community. 

An avid runner well into his sixties, Jerry completed eight marathons and thirteen half marathons. He was such a familiar sight on local roads in the 1970s and ’80s that people still tell his family they remember seeing him out running. He loved cheering on his North Carolina Tar Heels and following CNU women’s basketball. He enjoyed golfing and singing karaoke with friends, but his true love was fishing. He spent many happy days out fishing with his buddies. He adored the family dog, Kibbe, and the two shared a special bond.

Jerry was a devoted husband and beloved father, and grandfather. He shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Susan Avent Hill. Their marriage was an example of enduring love, faithfulness, and commitment. Traveling together was their favorite thing to do, and they took many memorable trips over the years. Even at home, they sought out new adventures and loved taking their daily walks together. Jerry cherished Susan, and during his illness she cared for him tenderly, spending long days and nights by his side.

Jerry was so proud of his daughter, Christy, and he loved the years that he and Susan took care of their beloved granddaughter, Jane. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Glennie Hill and Mabel Stroud, and his sister, Lorraine Stroud.

He is survived by his beloved wife Susan Avent Hill, his devoted daughter Christy Alexander and her husband Mike, and his cherished granddaughter Jane. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Steve Avent and his wife Sophie.

Those who knew Jerry will remember his gentle spirit and warm smile, unwavering faith, and love for his family. He lived out his faith by helping others. Whether it was a neighbor or someone he had just met, Jerry was always kind and willing to lend a hand.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment with military honors will take place at 3 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Mesothelioma Foundation. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, physical therapists and staff at Walter Reed Acute Care for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided during Jerry’s final days. Their compassion and support brought comfort to both Jerry and his family, and their kindness will never be forgotten. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23