Paul Franklin Hill, Jr.

Paul Franklin Hill, Jr, 79, passed away at the New Madrid Living Center in New Madrid, MO on May 1, 2018. He was born April 11, 1939  to the late Paul and Cora Mae Hill in Caruthersville, MO. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy Grimm Hill and one daughter, Heather Hill, both of New Madrid, MO. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul F Hill, III and his sister Sammy Carroll.

After graduating from Caruthersville High School in 1957, Paul served in the US Army and later graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1964 with a B.S. in Education, Memphis State University in 1968 with an M.S. in Education, and completed his specialist degree in Education Administration at SEMO in 1991. He was best known as the principal at the New Madrid County Central High School, where he retired in 1995. He then worked for SEMO as the director of Bootheel Talent Search. Paul educated, mentored, and helped numerous students, teachers and friends over his 30 years in education. 

He was active in his community, serving as a board member for the New Madrid Bend Youth Center and New Madrid County Family Resource Center. He was a member of the New Madrid United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a researcher and historian of southeast Missouri, writing several small books on the history of the bootheel and surrounding counties.  He had a passion for reading, history, and education and loved motorcycles and cars.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the New Madrid Methodist Church on Saturday, May 5, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the memorial service following at noon. Memorial donations can be sent to the charity of your choice to support Alzheimer’s research and awareness. 

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