Christopher "Chris" Hill

Christopher Gary Hill of Odessa, Texas, died on August 27, 2020, at the age of 55, but his storytelling, trademark teasing, and larger-than-life persona will not be forgotten.

Chris was born in Provo, Utah on April 27, 1965.  He was the oldest child of Gary Hill and Judy Johnson.  Although he spent his adult life in big cities like Salt Lake City (Utah), Colorado Springs (Colorado), and Midland-Odessa (Texas), his heart and his childhood belonged to the small town of Fayette, Utah.  Throughout his life, Chris loved to spend time outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was happiest surrounded by tall trees, big bodies of water and vast open skies.

Chris had many loves in life.  He adored his wife, Susan, to whom he was married for 25 years.  His stubbornness tried to get the best of him at times, but Susan was the one person who could gently get him back on track.  He loved, respected and appreciated her more than words can express.  He was also a deeply devoted father to his daughter, Morgan.  She brought him tremendous joy and gave him endless opportunities to share how proud he was of her.  They shared a special bond, and Chris was often left in awe as to how he ended up with such an amazing daughter.

Chris loved his entire family and worked hard at keeping good relationships with them.  He was especially close to his mother, Judy, and never passed up an opportunity to get her riled up over politics.  They shared many of the same political views, but somehow, he could still fire her up with his peculiar viewpoints.  He loved having three little sisters, Kim, Marti and Sarah, and took his role as protective big brother very seriously.  And, then, there was all the family that he gained when he married Susan.  The Imlays welcomed him with open arms, and he cherished being a son, brother, and uncle to all of them.

In the first part of his life, Chris limited his passions primarily to hunting, fishing and basketball.  He was happiest with a basketball in hand, and a dog by his side.  Later in life, he took up golfing and that became a borderline obsession.  It was only tempered when he realized that family time was even superior to golf.  To round out his loves in life, we have to mention the New York Giants, Chocolate Almond Ice Cream, his best friend Ronnie’s famous BBQ ribs, wearing only one sock, dogs Jazmine, Saydee & Aladdin, and dreaming up some new invention or scheme! Chris was a life-long learner and loved to research ideas … the crazier the idea, the better!

Work was always a means to an end for Chris.  He had a strong work ethic and poured his heart and soul into every job he had.  But his work was never his identity.  Although he was in the Information Technology field and enjoyed many successful careers, he always found a greater purpose in his life.  In his later years, much of his purpose was found in his growing faith and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He accepted many callings in the Church, but two in particular were especially meaningful to him.  His calling in the nursery where he quickly became known as the “Kid Whisperer”, and his calling in caring for the Ward missionaries.

Chris will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors. His generous spirit, wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude left an indelible mark on everyone he met.  He will also be missed by the many strangers that would have been his friends, had he only been given the opportunity to meet them.

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Gary Hill.

Chris is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Morgan; mother, Judy Johnson, sisters Kimberli (Alvin Kosar), Martha (Ladell Player), Sarah (Desmond Prentice); step-mother, Cinda Hill; Sydney (Ed Barrow), Darin (Jo Imlay); Five nephews and nine nieces; six great-nephews and five great-nieces.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 5401 JBS Parkway, Odessa TX.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.