Thomas Bailey Hill

Thomas Bailey Hill, 94, was born July 1, 1926, to Forest and Nancy Hill in Nebo. He passed away Feb. 15, 2021, in Springfield, due to heart failure. Known to all by his middle name, Bailey, he grew up in a preacher’s home and was a member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church in Nebo. He married Berthena Farless in 1944 in Mountain Home, Ark. and then moved to California in 1947.
Hill was ordained and served as a deacon at First Southern Baptist Church in Wasco, Calif. He later served as deacon at First Baptist Church in Nixa. He worked over 40 years as a foreman of the Howard Hay Company in Wasco, Calif., retiring in 1990. He and his wife Berthena returned to Nixa, in 1994, where they enjoyed seeing family more often in the area they grew up. He and Berthena were married 65 years, prior to her passing in 2009.
In later years he moved to an independent living apartment at Nixa Nursing and Rehab, and shared with everyone how much he loved it and the kindness he received there.
Hill was predeceased by his parents, brother Elbert Hill, his wife Berthena Hill, and son Dr. Gary Hill. He is survived by his son Dwayne (and wife, Linda) Hill of Nixa, and daughter Janice (and husband, Noel) Greenwalt of Battlefield; seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 at Greenlawn South, followed by funeral at 2 p.m., with Pastor Richard Eakins officiating. Graveside service and internment were at 3:30 p.m. at North Greenlawn Cemetery.