Rev. Paul Garnell Hill, Sr.

Rev. Paul Garnell Hill, Sr., 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 4, 2025, in Manning, South Carolina. A devoted servant of the Lord, a loving husband and father, and a gifted musician, Rev. Hill leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and service that touched countless lives across multiple states.

Born on January 26, 1937, in Boca Grande, Florida, Rev. Hill was raised with strong values that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from high school, he felt the unmistakable call of the Lord and answered it by enrolling in the Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida. There he deepened his theological understanding and prepared for a life dedicated to ministry.

Rev. Hill began his ministerial journey first as a Minister of Music and Youth in Morton, Mississippi. Over the next six decades, his ministry would span numerous congregations from Florida to North Carolina and ultimately to South Carolina where he enlarged his ministry and became pastor of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Early Branch, South Carolina. His unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel and shepherding others through their spiritual journeys earned him deep respect within every community he served. In the later years of his career, he brought comfort and compassion as Chaplain for Hospice Care of Tri-County—a role that allowed him to minister to individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

A faithful member of Northside Baptist Church in Orangeburg, Rev. Hill remained active in worship and fellowship even after retiring from full-time ministry. His love for music was a defining part of his life; he was a talented musician who used his gifts to glorify God and enrich the worship experience for many congregations. He played an instrumental role in supporting church music ministries throughout his career and contributed significantly to community musical events such as Christmas and Easter cantatas. He also lent his talents to the Walterboro High School choral department, nurturing young voices with encouragement and expertise.

Beyond the pulpit and choir loft, Rev. Hill found joy in camping, fishing, woodworking and building—crafts that reflected both his creativity and patience. Whether constructing something with his hands or shaping lives through spiritual guidance, he approached every task with dedication and care.

Rev. Hill shared over 68 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Carol Durant Hill—a partnership rooted in faith and mutual devotion. Together they raised five children: Dr. Paul G. Hill Jr. (Janet) of Marietta, Georgia; Laurie H. Woodle (Jay) of Manning, South Carolina; Debbie Hill of Walterboro, South Carolina; Leslie H. Blevins (Ronnie) of Irmo, South Carolina; and Melissa Hill of Blythewood, South Carolina.

He was a proud grandfather to Zachary Hill; Rosemary Pullen (Blake); Brian LaBarbera (Jolene); Joshua Carter (Jessica); David Carter (Jessica); Christopher Spach; Jessica S. Baker; Cheyenne Weaver (Jeremy); Ashlie Scharber (Hayden); Andrew Brickle (Emma); Averie Blevins; Shelby Lamb (Aaron); Emily Nettles (Andrew), and Nicole Ott.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Gianna LaBarbera; Brycen Carter; Hadley Carter; Bradley Weaver; Waylon Weaver; Wyatt Scharber, Maggie Lamb and Brendan, Maggie and Lucas Carter.

Rev. Hill is also remembered by his brothers Mike Hill and Robert Hill (Shirley), sisters-in-law Linda Fidler and Peggy Beason, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former parishioners—and all those whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Francis Marion Hill and Mrs. Hattie Grace Hill.

Rev. Paul Garnell Hill Sr.’s life was one marked by unwavering faithfulness—to God’s calling on his life, to the people he served so diligently over six decades of ministry, and to the family he cherished deeply.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Northside Baptist Church 1250 Columbia Road, Orangeburg. Rev. Tim Moore and Dr. Paul G. Hill, Jr., will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery, 4611 Beaver Dam Road, Ridgeland.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, prior to the funeral service.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Joshua Carter, Brian LaBarbera, Andrew Brickle, Zachary Hill, Dr. Paul G. Hill, Jr. and David Carter.

Memorials may be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church at 4611 Beaver Dam Road, Ridgeland, S.C. 29936.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of McLeod Hospice, and especially, Chapline Jake, Social Worker, Marcie, Nurses, Teresa and Cassie and Aid, Beth for their care and love of Rev. Hill and for their continued support of the family.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to all who continue walking paths shaped by his example of grace-filled leadership and love for the Lord.

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  Matthew 25:23.