Ricky A. Hill

Ricky A. Hill was born to the late Barlow Hill and Willie Mae Hill in Norfolk County, now known as Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, graduating in 1971. Ricky Hill graduated from Norfolk State University and attained a bachelor’s degree with a major in Social Work. He graduated from Norfolk State University with a master’s degree in Social Work coupled with a certificate in professional counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus.

Ricky Hill worked with the state of Virginia for more than 30 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Department of Rehabilitative Services up until he retired in June 2012. During his final years with DRS, Ricky became a lead counselor with the agency.

In 1997, Ricky was awarded as a top performer in the Field Rehabilitation Services Division in the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, providing outstanding services to persons with disabilities. The Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services awarded Ricky the Skills for Leadership Award in October 2003. Ricky also received an award for continuing practice in the field of rehabilitation counseling as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in March 2013. Along with many other awards and plaques, Ricky received a recognition for his dedication, service, and contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia in July 2012.

Re-dedicating his life to Christ at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, Ricky was baptized in 2013 by Bishop Courtney McBath. As an avid supporter of Gospel music, he was a huge fan of iconic singers and songwriters, Fred Hammond and BeBe Winans. He loved to sing, had a witty and sarcastic sense of humor, and he enjoyed a good laugh. Most of all, Ricky Hill valued education.

Ricky Hill is survived by his two lovely daughters, Crystal Hill McKenzie (Ray) of Washington, D.C. and Dr. Melanie R. Hill of New York. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Martin of Maryland, Beverly Stewart (John) of Maryland, Vanessa Hill of Washington, D.C., and Vanetta Sweetney (Robert) of Chesapeake, and his brothers, Bryant Hill, Sr. (Gloria) of North Carolina, Curley Hill of Washington, D.C., Keith Hill (Lougenia) of Portsmouth, and Jerry Hill of Portsmouth. Also remaining to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, and Elliott McKenzie, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and beloved friends.

Ricky Hill was pre-deceased by his late parents Barlow Hill and Willie Mae Hill, his sister Alice Hill, and his brothers Melvin Hill, Paul Hill, and Morris Hill.

Ricky Hill’s presence will be missed deeply, but he will forever live in the treasured memories and hearts of all who knew him. We all love him, but God loves him best.