Frederick Andrew Hill

Frederick Andrew Hill (“Fred” as he was known to most), of Altoona, FL, was born on June 16, 1938, and he went to be with Jesus on December 14, 2022. Fred graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1956. He attended the United States Coast Guard Academy and graduated as an officer with a degree in Engineering in 1960. Fred was united in marriage to Margaret-Ellen Minson Hill (Ellen) on June 17, 1961, at the United States Coast Guard Academy Chapel in New London, Connecticut. The Lord blessed them with 2 children and 1 grandchild. As a child, Fred moved a lot with his mother and adopted dad, Lloyd Hill, a submariner in the US Navy, specializing in underwater sound detection. He attended several high schools, including five in one year. A true testament to Fred’s hard work, despite many challenges, he earned one of the highly coveted appointments to the United States Coast Guard Academy. During his 20-year career as an officer, Fred was stationed at various bases and ships throughout the country. In his first year of service, he was sent to isolated duty in northern Alaska (90 miles from Russia during the cold war) where he was responsible for one of the Loran-C towers (precursor to GPS). He was also stationed in North Carolina, Miami, Florida (3 times) and aboard the Diligence out of Key West, Florida (where his son Jonathan was born in 1966), as well as aboard the Bibb stationed out of Boston, and in Portland, Maine (where his daughter Elizabeth was born in 1973). In 1980, Fred decided he had enough of the cold weather assignments and decided to retire and make Florida his permanent home. He finished his career as a Lieutenant Commander in Miami in 1980. Upon retiring from the United States Coast Guard, Fred intentionally chose a career where he could be home and able to spend time with his family. In 1980, “Mr. Hill” started his professional teaching career. Fred shared his vast knowledge and skill set teaching at multiple schools throughout his career. He chose to teach in Christian schools whenever possible. He taught at Northwest Christian Academy in Miami, Florida; Altamonte Christian School and The Master’s Academy in the greater Orlando area and finished his teaching career at Umatilla High School in Umatilla, Florida. Subjects included: wood shop, automotive shop (which he started at the school), all of the sciences from earth science, chemistry to physics, as well as all of the mathematics from basic math to advanced Trigonometry. He coached several sports and started a high school girls’ soccer team. Fred dedicated his life to serving God and being there for his family. Mom and Dad came to everything regardless of where it was or when it was. Family was a priority. Fred and Ellen served in numerous churches during their 60+ years together. Fred taught Sunday School, was a Deacon, led many mission trips, led financial classes and volunteered extensively, including feeling called to counsel through the jail ministry. Most recently, they attended First Baptist Church Umatilla and before that they served in the People Helpers Ministry at the First Baptist Church in Leesburg. Prior to moving to Altoona, FL; they attended the First Baptist Church in Orlando, FL and the Northwest Baptist Church in Miami, FL. Dad loved boating. He was a hot shot water skier and even showed off on his 76th birthday! Being out on the water – especially with family and friends brought him joy. He enjoyed patrols and he took his United States Coast Guard Auxiliary roles and responsibilities very seriously. Dad served in the USCGA for more than 25 years and logged more than 8,445 hours (those were just the ones able to be tracked in the new system). His Competencies included: ATON Verifier, PWC Operator, Telecommunications Operator, Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructor, Coast Guard Auxiliary Master Instructor, Search Coordination and Execution Instructor, Vessel Examiner, Radio Watchstander, Personal Watercraft Operator and Boat Coxswain. During this time, Commander Hill served in various flotilla staff positions and one national staff officer position, including being the Flotilla Commander (5 times) and the Division Commander (3 times). He earned many United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Awards including Auxiliary Commendation Medal, Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (9 awards), Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation, Special Operations Service Award, Auxiliary Membership Service Award (4 awards), Auxiliary Public Education Service Award (7 awards), Auxiliary Operations Service Award (13 awards). He also earned United States Coast Guard Awards including Presidential Unit Citation, DOT Secretary Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation (4 awards) and the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Award. Commander Hill was extremely accomplished. Fred liked to have fun. On dry land, he led his family on many adventures on the ATVs and the dune buggy in Florida; as well as snowmobiling, tobogganing and other colder weather activities from earlier in his life. There were many stories! He was a talented woodworker and made beautiful crafts which he sold at local craft fairs. Fred and Ellen traveled extensively together. Starting on their honeymoon in 1961, when they drove from Connecticut to Florida visiting many states along the way and continuing until recent years. They had visited all 50 states and quite a few foreign countries. They also supported numerous charities with their time, talents and treasures. Fred and Ellen bought property in Altoona, FL in 1968 and slowly built the place they planned to retire. They moved to Altoona full-time after completing their house in 2001. It is here where on Wednesday morning, Fred was welcomed home to Jesus and joined Ellen, the love of his life. Fred celebrated Christmas with his children and granddaughter on Saturday. He was at peace. Fred was surrounded by love and peacefully went to sleep in the arms of our Savior. Fred is survived by his children, Jonathan (Kathy) Hill and Elizabeth (Eric) Semrau and his granddaughter Alessandra Semrau. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Horton; his sister-in-law; Betty Lee Minson (Robert Catlow); and his nephews Michael (Jen) McCarthy, Daniel (Karen) McCarthy, Matthew Minson and niece Monica Minson; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Margaret-Ellen Minson Hill; his mother, Marion Mills; his father, Charles P. Meich and his stepfather, Lloyd Hill; his brother-in-law Frederick Vernon Minson (“Butch”) and his sister-in-law Janice Caulkins Minson as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the First Baptist Church Umatilla, FL from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at approximately 3:00 p.m. Pastor Brooks Braswell will officiate. Interment will take place at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery the following day. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Fred, he spent many hours counseling those incarcerated. Please consider directing your memorials toward the: Good News Jail & Prison Ministry, J24 (official Jurisdiction designation for Lake County, FL) or online giving - Goodnewsjail.org. “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 Dad – a lifetime of service – you impacted so many. We miss you and love you forever.

Frederick Andrew Hill

June 16, 1938 - December 14, 2022