John Nathan Hill peacefully passed away on August 20, 2024, at home surrounded by the love of his family in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was born on November 19, 1947, the eldest child of the late Napoleon and Blanche Hollis Hill in Boston, Georgia.
A brilliant student and class valedictorian, John was a Pre-Pharmacy major at Clark College in Atlanta where he met the love of his life and future wife Laura. He continued his education at Mercer School of Pharmacy before serving three honorable years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning from service, Nathan graduated from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He was an esteemed member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., later joining Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, The Boulé. Nathan’s distinguished career began in Nashville with Sears & Roebuck Company, where he was the first African American to serve in several management positions. He later excelled at Discover Card as National Operations Director advancing to Vice President of Merchant Operations, and eventually becoming President and COO of Morgan Stanley / Discover Bank. In 2001, he was appointed Head of Operations for Morgan Stanley’s International Consumer Banking Group in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Upon returning to Williamsburg in 2004, Nathan enjoyed his encore career as an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Realtors and was deeply involved in community service. He held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the NAACP, the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, and the Executive Partner Program of the Mason School of Business at William & Mary. His many professional affiliations included the Delaware Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, and several business boards. In 2005, for his significant contribution to financial services and banking, his story was taped and preserved by The History Makers, the nation’s largest African American video oral history archive.
Nathan’s faith was central to his life. Confessing Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 10, he was a faithful member of the Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, contributing to Stewardship, Men’s Fellowship, the Sanctuary Choir, and the Handbell Ministry.
Nathan lived life fully, with a passion for travel, fishing, golf, bowling, and singing. He explored the wonders of South Africa, Austria, and Japan, and fished for salmon in Alaska and rainbow trout in the highlands of Scotland. He was known for his formidable bowling skills and smooth golf swing. With his melodious voice, he enjoyed singing, whether in church or at home with his family. Nathan loved to cook and dance. His sweet potato pies were as smooth as his dance moves, both equally unforgettable.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Laura; daughter Tonya Gokita (Toru) of Williamsburg, Virginia; son John Nathan Hill II (Karen) of Vienna, Virginia; grandchildren, Nina Laura Gokita, Kai Nathan Gokita, John Nathan Hill III, and Natalie Grace Hill; sister Katie Hamilton (Dwane) of Yeadon, Pennsylvania; and a host of beloved relatives, colleagues, and friends.
Nathan lived a life of gratitude, love, and service, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A memorial service to celebrate Nathan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Historic First Baptist Church. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia.
