Willie James Hill, fondly known as "Bill," peacefully transitioned from this life on April 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on August 6, 1942, in Ellaville, Georgia, to Dazarene Perry and Simmie Hill, Bill was the beloved firstborn son who held a special place in the hearts of his family.

Bill spent his early years in the care of his adoring grandmother, Norene Perry, who showered him with love and ensured he felt like the king of the world. Later, he moved to Michigan to join his mother and stepfather, Mathis Baisden, quickly becoming the protective and dependable big brother to his siblings. 

A proud graduate of Eastern High School, Bill's life took him on an incredible journey. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Virginia, where he embraced new experiences and met his first wife, Linda Taylor. Together, they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Vashunda (Tudie) and Natelete (Nay).

In 1982, destiny introduced Bill to his soulmate, Janice Marie Waters, at a New Year’s Eve party, and from that moment, they were inseparable. They celebrated their love with a beautiful marriage on August 7, 1987, a bond that remained unshakable for over 37 years. 

Bill's career brought him to General Motors, where he proudly dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring. He was the life of every gathering, known for his quick wit, unique nicknames, and the ability to make anyone laugh. Tough on the outside but tender at heart, Bill's bark was always worse than his bite. 

He found joy in life's simple pleasures—spending time with friends, playing pool, and telling stories about the good old days. Later in life, Bill found a spiritual home at LAM Christian Church, where he became a member in 2017, cherishing the sermons and stories that resonated deeply with his own life. 

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, cherished by his devoted wife, Janice; his beloved daughters, Vashunda Hill and Natelete Hill; his treasured grandchildren, Unique Hill and Colby Jackson; his siblings Sharon, Deborah, Mathis (Paula), Theresa, and Bernadette Baisden; his sisters-in-law Alicia Amen-Ra, Vicki Powell, Karen Waters-Johnson, and Vanessa Waters; and his adoring nieces and nephews, Derrick, TraMecha, Janell, Tamara, Keisha, Kristal, Harold (Kara) Waters Jr., Tomara (Derek) Nolen, Regina Waters,  Aswad (Nicole) Amen-Ra, Amir (Tiffany) Amen-Ra, Esai Amen-Ra, Clare (Brent) Bain, Lauren Jackson, Johnathan Waters,  and Krystle Waters and many more who will carry his memory forward.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dazarene and Mathis Baisden.

Bill’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the joy of laughter. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered as an unforgettable husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.