NEWPORT NEWS — Burton Page Hill, 95, is at rest and has found peace after a lifetime of devotion and accomplishment. Burton was a devoted husband to his wife, Charlotte Walker Hill. He was also a father, brother, uncle and friend to many.
Burton was born July 20, 1925, in Newport News to the late Ella Scull and William Glover Hill. He attended Newport News High School, and, upon graduating, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he qualified as a pilot, navigator and bombardier.
He served in the Pacific Theater through the end of World War II. After flying over 30 missions with the 19th Bombardment Group, he was honorably discharged with several medals of honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and solidified his place in the Greatest Generation. On the G.I. Bill, he enrolled at the College of William & Mary and graduated in 1952 with degrees in business and economics. While attending W&M, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Walker Hill, who he married in August 1953.
Burton started a 32-year career at Newport News Shipbuilding and its subsidiary, Newport News Reactor Services. In support of Admiral Hyman Rickover’s nuclear land-based reactors, Burton was transferred to facilities in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and later Ballston’s Spa, New York, where he established friendships in both areas. After five years, Burton’s career brought him back to Newport News.
He decided to take early retirement from NNS in 1984 to start a second career as manager and treasurer at Newport News Shipbuilding Employees’ Credit Union (now Bayport Credit Union). After many milestones at the credit union and establishing enduring bonds of friendship with present and retired employees and board members, Burton retired as manager and Chief Financial Officer after 10 years of service in 1994, remaining on the board of directors until 2014.
Serving his community was one of Burton’s passions, and he served on the boards of numerous civic associations, including the YMCA, SPCA and the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center. Additionally, he was a longstanding member of the James River Country Club and the Hampton Roads German Club. He also served as a deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church and was an advocate for International Cooperating Ministries. Burton always put his faith and family first, followed closely by his devotion to his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Charlotte Walker Hill; parents, Ella S. and William G. Hill; brothers, William and Wesley; and sisters, Mildred and Ella.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Page Hill of Yorktown; faithful companion, his golden retriever, Rockie. Burton is also survived by his nephews, Frank, Richard, William, John, David, Stuart, Barry, Thomas and Douglas; niece, Diane; cousins, Ward R. Scull and Mary H. Gleason; and extended family as well as countless neighbors, coworkers and friends.
Burton was a leader and inspired lifelong bonds of friendship in those who knew him. He was once memorialized by a fellow board member as “the most ethical man I ever knew.” May he always be remembered with the same respect, loyalty, dignity, humor and affection that he effortlessly shared with the world.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. A service celebrating Burton’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church with a reception immediately following. All guests are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing at both events. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Burton’s honor to any of the organizations named above or a favorite charity. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Glenn Ross and the nursing staff at The Hamilton/York Convalescent Center for their compassion and care.
Share online condolences with the family at Peninsula Funeral Home.
