Javis "Ras" Godfrey Hill was a devoted son, husband, father, and a proud veteran, known for his work ethic and his deep roots in Johnston County, North Carolina. Though information on his life is concise, his journey, marked by family, military service, and a lasting home, tells a meaningful story.

Early Life and Family Roots

Javis "Ras" Godfrey Hill was born on November 18, 1922, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the second child and oldest son of Moses and Carolyn Stancil Hill. He grew up with his four siblings: Glady Ruth Hill Wright, Paul Grady Hill, Tempie Mae Hill Price, and Nelmer Moses Hill.

From a young age, Ras contributed to his family's livelihood by helping his parents farm. After his parents' divorce, he continued to work alongside his mother, maintaining the farm.

Military Service and Finding Love

On January 25, 1943, Ras enlisted in the Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He served his country with the rank of corporal, having listed his civilian occupation as an automobile serviceman upon enlistment.

After his service, Ras's path crossed with Josephine Belle Parrish in a department store in Rocky Mount, where their connection began. Josephine, born on April 20, 1928, in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, was the daughter of George and Daisy Johnson Parrish.

Javis and Josephine married on March 3, 1948, in Johnston County, North Carolina.

Family Life and Home

Together, Javis and Josephine built their family, raising three sons:

• Jerry Gordon Hill (born September 28, 1948, in Wilson, NC; died December 6, 2005, in Kenly, NC)
• James George Hill (born November 9, 1949, in Kenly, Johnston, NC; died March 1, 2002, in Goldsboro, Wayne, NC)
• Ronnie Glenn Hill (born December 27, 1953, in O'Neals Township, Johnston, NC; died December 31, 2022, in Bailey, NC)

All three sons proudly graduated from North Johnston High School in Kenly.

Javis and Josephine made their home in Kenly, residing in a wooden house characterized by its tile roof and a welcoming front porch that spanned the entire front, flanked by chimneys on each side. A back porch was later added to their home.

Later Years and Legacy

Javis "Ras" Godfrey Hill passed away at the age of 76 on April 15, 1999, in Kenly, North Carolina. He was laid to rest in the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina.

His beloved wife, Josephine Belle Parrish Hill, followed him in death at the age of 73 on June 8, 2001, at the Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, North Carolina. She is also buried in the New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Kenly.

The family continued to experience loss with the passing of their sons:

• James George Hill, a proud Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, died on March 1, 2002, in Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina, and is buried in New Jerusalem Church Cemetery, Kenly.
• Jerry Gordon Hill, husband of Becky Harper Hill, passed away on December 6, 2005, at his home in Kenly, due to a blood clot that originated from an injured leg. He is also buried in New Jerusalem Church Cemetery, Kenly.
• Ronnie Glenn Hill, husband of Beverly Worrell Hill and stepfather to Matthew Sherrick and Michelle Sherrick Bradley, died at the age of 69 on December 31, 2022, in Bailey, North Carolina. He was the grandfather of Gunner Bradley. Ronnie worked as a sewing machine mechanic at J & J, and held a deep affection for the outdoors and animals, including raising and selling various birds, among them chickens.

Javis "Ras" Godfrey Hill, along with his wife and sons, left behind a legacy rooted in family, service, and the community of Johnston County.