Obituary - Douglas Gray Hill

Douglas Gray Hill, 85, of Morehead City, peacefully returned home in the early hours of November 14, 2024. He was with his beloved wife of 54 years at his family home in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Doug was born in Deep Run, North Carolina, on February 11, 1939, to the late Jessie Grainger and Oma Caroline Howard Hill.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings, Grace Hill Morris of Kinston, Morris Laughton Hill of Kinston, Warren G. Hill of Apex, and Annie Ruth Parrish of Deep Run.

Left to cherish his memory, he is survived by his wife Jane Loftin Hill; two daughters, Lara Hill Lichtin of Morehead City, Caroline Hill Perry and husband Ely of Kinston; grandchildren Elyza Johnson Perry, Claire Loftin Perry, and Ely Jackson Perry IV. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins who greatly loved and respected him.

Doug graduated from Deep Run High School where he was active in the Future Farmers of America, Glee Club, and basketball team. Doug often credited the former Principal of Deep Run High School, A. R. Munn, and his wife Cora Lee, as formative mentors. His fondness of his upbringing in Deep Run stayed with him. Those who knew and loved him will joyfully recount his big smile as he would burst into song or the Deep Run High School fight song cheer.

Doug was a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also attended Dental School and made many lifelong friends. He then began his career as a Captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, practicing dentistry during his service on Okinawa, a station which afforded him a fond opportunity to travel many parts of the world.

Doug returned to open his dentistry practice in Kinston where he served his community of Lenoir County for four decades alongside a loyal, loving staff. He loved dentistry and serving his patients. His family well remembers that his upbringing shone through his work as he often returned home with farm fresh vegetables brought in by his patients. Doug was also an active Rotarian and member of the Lenoir County Historical Society.

His lifelong passion for collecting antiques drove he and his wife up and down the eastern seaboard and southwest to New Mexico. Doug had an impeccable eye and found tremendous joy in collecting North Carolina pottery and waterfowl decoys. He maintained antique store booths in multiple locations throughout his life, and his patrons could spot his booths and appreciated his keen eye for interesting treasures of the past.

Doug enjoyed traveling to Fancy Gap to share time with nature, his wife, family and friends. He did not want to miss a Tarheel basketball game, a day following the stock market’s activity, or a moment shared with his closest friends.

He will be remembered for his generosity and gentle soul.

Doug will be laid to rest with his parents and siblings at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston on Sunday, November 17 [Howard Carter], after which the family will receive visitors at a Celebration of Life reception from 2-4pm at the Kinston Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum PO Box 556, Harkers Island, NC 28531, 252-728-1500 or Smith New Home Church, 5851 US-258, Deep Run, NC 28525.