Rufus Oakley Hill

Rufus Oakley Hill, 79, of Kempner passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at his home in Kempner while surrounded by his loved ones. Services for Mr. Hill will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 4:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church in Copperas Cove with Dr. Mark Kemp officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Copperas Cove City Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm after the visitation. Rufus was born on December 29, 1935, in Winston County, Mississippi, to Oakley and Mable Hill. He attended school in Winston County and enlisted in the Army after graduation. Mr. Hill served his country for over 20 years until retirement in 1975. While in the Army, he was stationed overseas, serving two tours in Vietnam and earning the Bronze Star three times. After his military career, Rufus started RO Hill Construction in Copperas Cove, owning and operating his company before again retiring in 1998. Even during retirement, Rufus engaged in major building projects for himself, for his children, and for his church home. Additionally, he loved to travel, to dance, and to spend time with family and friends. Mr. Hill was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Inge Hill, sisters Betty Jean Hill, Evelyn Joyce Hill, Imogene Sheffield and Kathleen Riston. Rufus is survived by his wife Marilyn Hill, daughter Sandra Hill, son Steven Hill, daughter Monika Behrens and her husband Richard, grandchildren Joshua, Jessica, and Ryker Behrens, sisters Helen Smith and Cynthia Hemphill, and a brother James Hill. He is also survived by stepsons Robert and Kevin Hall, and step grandsons Rick and Shawn Hall, as well as many nieces and nephews. Marilyn, Sandra, Monika, and Steven want to thank all those who offered prayers, love, and support during Rufus’ illness. They are especially grateful for the support of sister, Helen and Cynthia and brother James. Rufus will be profoundly missed. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove is in charge of the arrangements.

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