COLUMBUS
Gary Lee Hill, of Columbus, died peacefully on September 8, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old, born August 18, 1937 in Lincoln, Nebraska to George and Thelma (McCoy) Hill. He married Joyce (Gallert) Hill on August 30, 1959, celebrating 64 wonderful years together. She survives.
Gary was a man of few words, but had many talents. He often reminded his family how lucky they were to spend time with him, but didn’t hesitate to turn off his hearing aids when they got too loud. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and pa. Gary and Joyce enjoyed being members of the Elks, Eagles, Moose, and American Legion Clubs.
Along with his wife, Gary had many life adventures. They owned Hill’s Auto Service Center in Arcadia, California. Much to their daughters’ dismay, Gary and Joyce moved their family to Hope, Indiana to pursue his true passion, racing. He continued to race around the dirt track and owned Gary Hill Racing. Gary started ABC Cutting Contractors with his son in laws, whom his daughters met after moving to Hope. Gary was an avid car builder. He spent a lot of his time working in his garage on the many cars he crafted from the ground up over the years. He was a fabricator, innovator, and champion.
Gary is survived by his wife, Joyce of Columbus; his daughter Heidi (Mack McClellan) Garner of Indianapolis; daughter Tammy (Mark) Hege of Columbus; daughter Jackie (Bill) Runion of Columbus; grandchildren Jacob (Beth) Hege of Rensselaer; Cody (Rikki) Hege of Hope; Aleesa (Casey) Dickerson of Hope; Drew (Claire) Runion of Columbus; Katie (Joshua) Burnett of Columbus; great-grandchildren Owen and Hallie Hege of Rensselaer; Brody and Andi Hege; Graham and Tucker Dickerson; Adley, Hayes and Collins Runion; William, Ryan and Scarlett Burnett, all of Columbus; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Elk’s Lodge located at 4664 Ray Boll Boulevard Columbus, Indiana from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Arrangements are being handled by Norman Funeral Home of Hope.
In lieu of traditional flowers, memorial donations can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. 2626 17th St. Columbus, Indiana 47201 or https://care.ourhospice.org/donation/ or the American Cancer Society.
