At 1:52 on June 19th, 2018, Albert "Sonny" Hill passed away under the watchful eye of his loving daughter Brenda Hill Simkins at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Ms. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years Charlotte Sullivan Hill, his father Albert Hill, his mother Edna Mae Hill Geise, and his sisters Alberta Hill LeBlanc, Anita Hill Cope, and Edna Rae Hill Gerage. Sonny is survived by his only daughter, Brenda H. Simkins (Steve Simkins), his three grandchildren Layken Simkins, Parker Simkins and Sawyer Simkins, his brother-in-law, James L. Sullivan, as well as his two nephews James Robert Sullivan (Brandi Sullivan) and Michael Sullivan (Tomorrow Sullivan). A native of Louisiana, Sonny was born on September 24, 1936 in Baton Rouge. Despite cherishing family above all, Sonny loved so many and appreciated each and every one of his family and friends, holding all dear to his heart. Whether you were family, a member of his cherished "dixie rats," a teammate, fellow coach, one of his many players, or a friend he met along his winding journey, he always left a part of him with you. Athletics were a big part of Sonny's life and he excelled on the field. Sonny attended Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge with his many childhood friends, including Billy Cannon, Oscar Lofton and Earl Phillips. At Istrouma he played football, baseball, basketball and ran track. In 1957, Sonny began his collegiate career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College where he played football and ran track. While at Copiah Lincoln, Sonny won many awards including being a two time All-State and two time All-American quarterback. In 1959, Sonny was the most outstanding player of the Junior College All-American game in Albuquerque, NM, and he was awarded the Los Angeles Times Junior College offensive player of the year in 1959. After a very short stint at Southern Mississippi, Sonny finished his college career at Delta State University where he started for two years and earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree. In 1963, Sonny began his coaching career at Pascagoula High School, followed by Holmes Junior College, Hammond High School, Delta State University and Southeastern Louisiana University. The 1971 Hammond High squad won the Louisiana state football championship. Sonny has been inducted into the Copiah Lincoln Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Sports Hall of Fame. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, July 6th at 6 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home & Crematory located at 2000 N. Morrison in Hammond, La., for family and friends. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the same location. Memorials may be made to the Albert "Sonny" Hill Memorial Scholarship at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, P.O. box 649, Wesson, MS, 39191. Sonny's guestbook can be viewed at www.harrymckneely.com
