Lloyd Gene Hill

Lloyd Gene Hill, 97, of Benton, Il., passed peacefully to his forever home, April 27, 2023, at Franklin Hospital.

Gene was born in Marion, Il. in 1925, to Gilbert and Amy (Hunter) Hill.  While serving his country in the U.S. Army in Wichita Falls, Texas, he met and married the love of his life, Virgie McDuffie, in 1944.

In 1951 he moved his wife and daughter to Benton and managed Bracy's Food Store on the Square for several years, adding a son to his family in 1956. He later joined the Benton Police Force. After his retirement from there, he bought a grocery store, H & S Market on the corner of McLeansboro St and East Main and served the community for a number of years. In the 1980's, still not ready to stay retired from serving his community, he became the Mayor of Benton, serving one term.

He loved to fish, and was a coin collector, but other than those hobbies, his family was the most important to him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and always showed his love in every way possible.

Surviving is his daughter, Sherry Franklin, of Benton. Son, Dana (Gayla), of Christopher, Il. Grandson Troy Franklin of Villa Grove, Il. and Granddaughter, Tracee Franklin of Georgetown, Texas. Great Grandsons Michael, Peyton, and Jayse Franklin. Grandson Andy Hill, Granddaughters Amanda, and Cassie Hill of Tennessee...and many nieces and nephews.

Those who preceded Gene to their forever Home were his parents, his brothers, Gib, James, Lonnie, Bill and his sister, Amy. His wife, Virgie, recently proceeded him in Aug. of 2021. They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary just a month before her passing.

As per his wishes, he will be cremated, and his family will have a private ceremony at a time to be determined.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Lloyd Gene Hill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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