Dr. Wayne T. Hill

Dr. Wayne Thomas Hill, 83, passed away peacefully at his home on February 5, 2026. Dr. Hill was born on March 30, 1942, in Belzoni, Mississippi, to Bill Gully Hill and Nova Zona Smith Hill. A lifelong learner and devoted educator, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education from Mississippi State University, and later earned both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the Southern Baptist Center for Biblical Studies. Wayne faithfully served as a Baptist pastor, educator, administrator, and self-employed tradesman throughout his life. He was a retired Baptist pastor, answering his final pastoral call at Beacon Street Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. At the time of his passing, he was an active member of South Louisville Baptist Church. A man of many talents, Wayne was known as a preacher, teacher, administrator, barber, mechanic, and mentor. He was a Mason and Shriner, a skilled tradesman, and a lifelong auto mechanic whose passion was auto restoration. Widely known as “the Bug Man,” he was regarded by many as the best Volkswagen mechanic around. His joy was in work—his hobby was work—and he found great satisfaction in using his hands, his mind, and his faith to serve others. Wayne shared the latter part of his life with his wife, Joyce R. Hill, whom he married on December 18, 1993. Their marriage was marked by companionship, faith, and mutual support. He is survived by his wife, Joyce R. Hill; daughters Shellye Hill Snowden (Chris), Renee Hill Johns, and Belinda Rogers Swart (Ron); sons William A. “Will” Hill (Sarah) and Richard Rogers; and sisters Dorothy “Dot” Hames and Jewel H. Norderud. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael T. Johns, Barley S. Johns (Kayla), Madison Snowden Elkins (Zach), Macie Snowden, Kellynn Hill, Trip Hill, Eva Hill, Steven Rogers (Kali), Austin Swart (Karleigh), Hunter Swart (Mallory), and Hayden Rogers; and great-grandchildren Bear, Everly, and Clara Elkins; Heidi, Ledger, Tatum, and Riggins Swart; and Jax and Kenzi Rogers. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sandra Smith Hill, whom he was widowed from in 1992; his brothers William Timothy Hill (twin), Earl Hill, Sam Hill, and Junior Hill; his sisters Sarah Ivy Vigoletti and Margaret McCord; and his infant son, Billy Wayne Hill. Wayne was many things—a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather (“Pawpaw”), uncle, cousin, and friend—but above all, he was a servant. His life was marked by faith, hard work, curiosity, and a deep love for people. His legacy lives on through his family, his ministry, and the many lives he touched as a teacher, pastor, and friend. Funeral services will be held at South Louisville Baptist Church on Monday, February 9, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday, February 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, and again one hour prior to the service at South Louisville Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Winston County. Arrangements are entrusted to Massey Funeral Home of Louisville, Mississippi, 724 N. Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS 39339. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.

Dr. Wayne T. Hill

March 30, 1942 - February 5, 2026

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Dr. Wayne T. Hill

March 30, 1942 - February 5, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification