Alvin Lee Hill, Jr.

I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be 'happy'. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." - Leo Rosten

Alvin Lee Hill, Jr, or "Al" to those who knew him, left our temporal world on February 27, 2022 at the age of 68, having served his purpose in making his difference in this life.

Born to Alvin Lee Hill, Sr and Frances Geraldine Hill in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Al set out to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, a decision that would take him around the world, and bring him to who would later become his world, his devoted wife of 48 years, Vickie. Together, Al and Vickie navigated the challenge of creating and raising a family, all while both navigating military careers that spanned over 20 years, most of the time together, but sometimes even stationed apart. Bringing two sons (Robert "Bobby" and Christopher) into a world that too often focuses on self, Al strived to provide an example to his boys of service to their fellow man, something that he himself showcased throughout his 32 years of volunteer duty to The American Legion, during which he held numerous offices and helped run countless programs and events. Equipped with a "no excuses" attitude, Al led his life just getting the job done, and as such, was so often who his family and friends looked to when faced with a challenge. With a desire to empower, he'd take you fishing, but you wouldn't walk away without knowing how to fish.

Nothing brought Al greater joy and pride than his family. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother in law Florine Wetterman, daughter in law Tami Hill, grandchildren Bryce, Connor, Logan, and Kylie Hill, brother Gerald Hill, and many sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Albert Hill.

A military service will take place at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, CA on March 25 ^th , 2022 at 9:15am, after which there will be a Celebration of Life at The American Legion in Ridgecrest, CA beginning at 12pm.

Though he never sought out recognition, Al leaves behind a legacy of honor, respect, charity, and love. He served hard and he served proud; his nation, his comrades, his family. It wouldn't be right to end this without how he closed his Legion articles: "For God and Country". What greater purpose could there be.