Eugene Raymond Hill

Eugene Raymond Hill, 87, of Colfax, NC passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026.

Eugene was a gentle soul, a devoted Christian, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He lived a life guided by faith, hard work, humility, integrity, and kindness, always willing to help others and serving as a positive example to his family and community.

Eugene was born August 10, 1938 in Greenfield, MA to Raymond Joseph Hill and Rachel Graves Hill. He grew up in Conway, MA, working on dairy farms, in a maple sugar house, and harvesting ice. He graduated from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, MA, and went on to earn his PhD in Plant & Soil Science from the University of Massachusetts. He was a member of both the Sigma Xi and Alpha Zeta fraternities at UMass.

He met the love of his life, Linda Mae Kendrick, while working on a dairy farm in Ashfield, MA, and they married on June 3, 1967, eventually relocating to NC. Eugene enjoyed a long career as a Senior Research Biologist at Ciba-Geigy / Novartis / Syngenta in the Crop Protection Division.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially cutting and splitting wood, working in his vegetable garden and doing yardwork. He loved to enjoy his favorite dish, spaghetti, as often as possible, especially with hot chili peppers he grew. The snap of his fingers could be heard across a large department store, signaling it was time to go.

His greatest joy was his family. He raised his children with love, strong values, and a deep faith in God, and he was equally proud of his grandchildren and great grandchild. His influence will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him. Though he will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Eugene was preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda Kendrick Hill of 50 years, sister Elizabeth Hill Leno, brother Lewis Raymond Hill, and his parents.

He is survived by his son, Russell Hill (Sharon); daughter, Eva Duvall (Mark); grandchildren, Kaila Hill Riggins (Cole), Candace Welsh (Trey), Seth Duvall (Audrey), Noah Duvall, Ethan Hill (Allie), and Rachel Hill; great granddaughter, Lena Welsh; brother-in-law, William Leno; and many extended family members.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Kernersville, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm, entombment will follow at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of a man whose faith, love, and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter of your choice.