Dr. Paul E. "Pete" Hill

Dr. Paul E. "Pete" Hill of Flat Rock passed away on Dec. 24, 2013, at the age of 88.

Dr. Hill was born and reared in Murphy. He was a physician with an active medical practice of 50 years, having worked in family medicine in his native town of Murphy, followed by a practice in internal medicine in Hendersonville until his retirement in 1991.

He is survived by his wonderful wife of 60 years, Vera Howse Hill of Flat Rock, a nurse whom he met and married at Duke University while in Medical School; a son Paul and his wife Dorcas of Johnson City, Tenn.; daughter Kathryn Vanderslice and husband Scott of Salisbury; four grandchildren Mark Vanderslice wife Jennifer, Tyler Vanderslice, wife Amber; Brittany Soques, husband Danny, and Jenna Grace Hill; and great grandson Asaph Vanderslice.

He was preceded in death by parents Dr. J.N. Hill and Kathryn Bayless Hill of Murphy; a brother, Dr. J.N. Hill II, and three sisters, Ann Hill, Mildred Payne, and Jane Reynolds.

After graduating from Murphy High School, Pete volunteered and entered the Army Air Corp and served as an Army Air Corp Navigator. He felt it a great honor to fly, more than 60 years later with the Henderson County Honor Air to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC, along with other World War II veterans of all branches of service.

He received a BA degree from WCU, a Master degree from the UNC at Chapel Hill, and his MD degree from the Duke University School of Medicine. He was a 50–year member of the AMA, NC Medical Society, a member of the American Academy of GP and AAFP Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine., and served on the medical staff of Pardee Hospital. In addition, he was particularly proud to have chaired the Murphy City Schools Board of Education during their successful integration. He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and served in Hospital Visitation Ministry for many years

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial at Shepherd Memorial Park will follow the funeral service.

Contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2101 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.