Master Chief Ronald Hill Ret.

Master Chief Ronald Hill, Retired, 73, of Creal Springs, died at 12:12 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2017, at his home.

He was born on July 9, 1943, in Anna, the son of John Calvin and Carrie Kimmel Hill.

He married Sharolyn Keenan on Jan. 27, 1968, at the Christian Church in Anna.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharolyn Hill of Creal Springs; many cousins; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a graduate of Shawnee Community High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1961 and served his country for a total of 40 years. His 21-year Naval career included serving at sea in the Nuclear Submarine Service, performing recruiting duties in Great Falls, Mont., serving as part of the admirals staff for COMSUBGRU5 in San Diego, and instructing LMET at Trident Training Facility in Bangor, Wash.

He retired from the Navy in 1983 as MMCM.

He then served 19 years in civil service in Washington’s Naval shipyards.

For recreation, he served several years as a director of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington. In 2001, after retiring from civil service, Ronald and Sharolyn moved back to Southern Illinois and enjoyed the last 16 years living in Creal Springs.

Memorial services for Master Chief Ronald Hill, Ret., will be held at a later date.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.