William M. Hill

Reverend Dr. William M. Hill, a husband, father, grandfather, leader, mentor, servant, a man of God.

William was born February 27, 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Walter and Mattie Hill, Sr. He was the youngest of 5 children. He graduated from Horace Mann High School. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master's Degrees from Prairie View A & M University. There he met and married the love of his life Laneta "Joyce" Mitchell and from this union daughter LeVettawas born. He earned a Doctoral Degree from Perkins Theological Seminary and also received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from St. Stephens Bible College.

In 1963 under the spiritual leadership of Reverend I. B. Loud, of St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas the Hill family ministerial journey began. After moving to California in 1968, William served 14 years as the Associate Pastor of Warren Chapel C.M.E. in San Pedro mentored by Reverend U.L.Butts. He later served as a Special Assistant to Bishop E. Lynn Brown and the Administrative Assistant to the Presiding Elder Nathaniel Hashaway. In 1988 William began his affiliation with the United Methodist Church serving as the Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Los Angeles from 1989 -1993. He was the Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Inglewood from 1993 -2008; and Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church of Los Angeles from 2008 - 2010.

William served compassionately in many capacities within the YCalifornia-Pacific Conference, and Los Angeles District. He was appointed to the Commission of the Board of Investigation; he has also served as Chairperson for Pan-Methodist in Southern California; President of the Ebony Prophets; District Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Discipleship, District Council of Ministry, Board of UMLAD; Supervising Pastor for the Claremont School of Theology Field Study Program; and Mentor Pastor to Candidates of Ordained Ministries.

As an educator his humble beginnings started in Belton, Texas, his wife's hometown. He was ateacher and an assistant football coach at T. B. Harris School. After moving to California two of his noteworthy achievements were serving as the Principal at Compton High School and the District Coordinator of Alternative Education. William also created, "Operation Clean Sweep" which assisted in making school campuses a safer place. As a result of its success, multiple school districts throughout the nation adopted the "Operation Clean Sweep" program. After 33 years of dedicated service William retired in 1995 from his profession as an educator/administrator.

With a longtime commitment to bettering the lives of children, William and Laneta "Joyce"founded South Bay Bright Future, Inc. (Foster Family Agency and Treatment Facilities) in Southern California, and Bright Future Child Placing Agency in Belton, Texas.

In 2010 as a retired Elder, William returned to Belton, Texas—and to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and quickly formed the Belton's African American Churches United (BAACU). BAACU is a group of pastors and churches who have united in fellowship to make a significant impact in their community. In 2014 the City of Belton paid homage to Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., by renaming a street in his honor. The BAACU; Dr. Randy O'Rear, President of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; and Reverend Andy Davis, Pastor of First Baptist Church and Belton's City Council, chaired by Sam Listi collaborated in making it possible.

Throughout William's life, he received numerous honors and awards for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the community. In 2013 the Educational Wing of First United Methodist Church of Inglewood was dedicated and named in his honor. In October 2015 he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at his Alma Mater Prairie View A&M University as a member of the 1958 National Championship Football Team. However, William's proudest and most cherished moment was attending the graduation of his granddaughter Hope from Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she graduated with honors; magnum cum laude on May 9, 2015.

William McKinley Hill was called to rest on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 1:55 P.M.

William was preceded in death by his Father Walter Henry Hill, Sr., Mother Mattie Belle Hill-White, Stepfather Samuel White, and Sister Ethel Louise Matlock.

He was happily married for over 55 years and is survived by his loving wife Laneta "Joyce" who supported and encouraged him throughout their journey together. Daughter LeVetta (Hill) Holloway, Son-in-Law, Glover Holloway; Grandchildren, Hope Laneta Jenkins, Lindsay Holloway and Trevon Holloway; Mother-in-Law: Mattie Jo Clemons, Godsons, Adeleke Kuyoro, James Givan, Brothers, Walter Hill, Robert Hill, Nathaniel Hill; Sister-in-laws, Bernadine Hill, Wilma "Jean" Hill, Dorisene Hill, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

William brightened many lives along his journey and his generous heart will truly be missed.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church of Inglewood 304 East Spruce Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301.

Interment will be at Green Hills Memorial Park.



Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275