Charles H. Hill

When Charles H. Hill started C. H. Hill & Sons, Sodding & Seeding in 1956, little did he know that his brainchild would become one of the largest “certified minority firms” in the Mid-South.

Fifty years later, Mr. Hill’s company, now called Charles H. Hill Contractors, is considered one of Memphis’ premiere contractors with a penchant for quality and customer service.

Known in the industry for the fruit of his labor, Mr. Hill died May 8 at his home following a long illness. He was 73.

“He was a very hardworking, dedicated man to his job, community and family,” said Marcel Hill, Mr. Hill’s daughter. “He was well-known around the city and state and was a part of building this city.”

Marcel Hill, now the CEO and president of Charles H. Hill Contractors, said her father grew the business with a “truck and shovel. Now I’m going to do what I can to carry on.”

For 14 years, Marcel Hill worked with her father, who taught her the rudiments of business and customer appreciation. The company, she said, has 25 employees.

Mr. Hill was a graduate of Melrose High School and served in the United States Army. When he returned, he rejoined the family business that provides seeding, sodding, erosion control, under drainpipes, and various aggregate road materials.

Other phases of Mr. Hill’s company include earthwork, site development, airport runway and road construction, clearing, hauling, excavating and trucking.

As a “minority firm,” Charles H. Hill Contractors is certified with Mississippi, Tennessee, the city of Memphis, Shelby County government, MATA, Memphis Housing Authority, MLGW, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, and the Mid-South Minority Business Council.

Roby Williams, president of the Black Business Association (BBA), said Mr. Hill’s death is a great loss. In 2005, the BBA chose Mr. Hill’s firm as the “Outstanding Business of The Year.”

Mr. Hill also received other awards and citations including “Contractor of the Year” and recognition for $1,000,000 in city contracts.

“Mr. Hill’s family can be confident that he lived a consequential life particularly in regard to minority, economic development,” Williams said.

Mr. Hill also leaves his wife of 48 years, Lendine Hill; four other children, Toni Hoffman of Philadelphia, Pa., Terri Johnson of Wyncote, Pa., Michael Hill of Richmond, Va., and Melody Hill of Memphis; a sister, Ruth Hill Tate of Southaven, Miss.; eight grandchildren; and a caretaker, Doris Turner.

Funeral services for Mr. Hill will begin at noon on May 17 at Ward Chapel AME Church, 1125 South Parkway East. The wake also will be held at Ward Chapel on May 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mr. Hill will be buried on May 19 at 10 a.m. in the Veterans Cemetery on Forest Hill Irene Road.  R.S. Lewis Funeral Home has charge.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made payable to The Sarah Garrett Missionary Society. Sympathy cards can be mailed to 1956 Dunn Ave, Memphis, Tenn. 38114.

For more information, call (901) 744-3483 or (901) 828-1608.