HUBERT  -   Seola Thomas Hill, Sr., 91, of Hubert, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024.  Funeral services, with military honors, will held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro Chapel.

Mr. Hill was born on December 18, 1932, in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in Oregon, and at the age of eighteen, Seola enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He valued this service highly and attained rank of Master Sergeant. The United States Marine Corp recognized Seola for his honorable service with many awards including the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Seola met and married the love of his life while serving a tour of duty in San Francisco, California. Their journey together was filled with countless adventures as they traveled the United States during his dedicated years in military service. Eventually, they settled in eastern North Carolina, a place they proudly called home. This home, along with the family they built, would become the cornerstone and greatest joy of Seola's life.

To his grandchildren, Seola was more than a grandfather; he was a mentor, friend, and an endless source of fun and wisdom. He could often be found working on car engines, teaching his grandkids the satisfaction of a job well done, or crafting pieces in his woodshop, where he shared his love for building and creating. These moments weren't just activities, they were opportunities for Seola to share life lessons and instill values in those he loved.

As the years passed, Seola found joy in the simpler things. He'd stroll around his yard, admiring the landscape he and Jennie tended with care. Talking to the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife that frequented his yard became one of his daily rituals, and anyone who joined him would soon find themselves drawn into these conversations with nature. Those visits were marked by laughter, warmth, and a peacefulness that Seola seemed to carry effortlessly.

Seola's presence and the memories he created with his family will forever be cherished. His legacy lives on in the laughter, kindness, and love he shared, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie L. Hill; his son, Seola T. Hill, Jr; and his son-in-law, Lawrence Stroud Spell.

Survivors include his sister, Catherine Hammond of La Porte, TX; daughters, Jacqueline Hill Stuart (Wayne) of Fairhope, AL and Daisy Hill Spell of Swansboro, NC; son Michael Hill (Sharon) of Hubert, NC; fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolina Museum of the Marine, 910-937-0033 .