WINTER HAVEN - Mr. John Douglas Hill, 64, passed away at home, February 25, 2010 of complications related to a stroke.

He was born to Thomas F. Hill and Rose W. Hill in Dayton, Ohio on April 18, 1945 and was raised in Norfolk, Virginia. John and his wife retired to Winter Haven, FL in 2002. John served in the Army and retired a Merchant Marine from Seafarers International Union.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Hill.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole Hill, mother, Rose Hill of VA, brother and wife, Thomas and Pat Hill of NC, sister and husband, Rosemary and Bill Green of MD, brother and wife, Larry and Louise Hill of VA, sons, John Hill of VA, Joseph Velonza of NC, Garbriel Velonza of CA, daughters and son-in-laws, Michelle and Mike Layden of VA, Barbara and Scott Leonard of VA, Cheri and Wayne Bailey of FL, Sharon and Bill Schreiber of FL, Rosemary Holmes of VA, Martha Hope of VA, Lynette Kramer of MD, mother-in-law, Marie Herzke, brother-in-law and wife, John and Marianne Herzke of VA and brother-in-law Bill Herzke of CA,17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and also his beloved cats, Uncle, Runt, Deuce, and Miss Queenie.

A memorial for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation or SPCA.

Crossing the Bar, by Alfred Lord Tennyson is read as a remembrance of all merchant seaman. Condolences may be sent to www.oakridgefuneralcare.com