Read Eddie's obituary

Eddie had juvenile diabetes from age 15. His maternal grandmother's family had a history of diabetes.

Volunteer Work and Hobbies

At 16, he was a volunteer fireman. Eddie played saxophone in the high school marching band, jazz, and concert band.

High School and Marriage

Eddie started dating the love of his life, Diane Scharringhausen, while in high school. They married while in high school but both finished and were honor graduates of Tarboro High School in 1984. They walked across the stage hand in hand.

Family Background

Eddie married Diane Scharringhausen in December 1983. Diane's parents were Albert L. and Amanda Myra, grandparents were Fred and Mary, and great-grandparents were H. Sharanghausen from Hanover, Germany, and Alderhed Sharanghausen from Prussia. In 1960, her great-grandparents had property valued over $4,000 and a personal estate of $800.

Church and Community

Diane and Eddie's home church was the Bethel United Methodist Church, Bethel, NC. Diane played the organ there.

Children

They had one son, Stephen Edward Hill, on Nov. 21, 1990, and one daughter, Elizabeth Diane Hill, who died at birth on March 22, 1984, at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC. Lynn was working labor and delivery on this day.

Career and Health Challenges

Eddie was the first paramedic and chief of the Rescue Squad in Edgecombe County. This was his dream job.

Eddie had his first heart attack at 32 years old and a second at 34. His medical condition forced him to resign. Because of diabetes, he developed kidney disease and suffered from pancreatitis. When he needed a new kidney, his mother Jean donated one of hers. He also had a pancreas transplant and did not have to take insulin for eight years. Diabetes affected his vision after 8 years.

Work and Education

Eddie was able to work part-time as parts manager of Davenport Auto Parts Store in Tarboro. Diane, who had interrupted nursing school to look after Eddie, was able to resume her schooling. She graduated from Edgecombe Community College and passed her state exam to become an RN.

Disability Struggles

Eddie applied for disability and was twice denied. One reason they gave was the 18 hours he worked weekly at the auto parts store. Eddie suffered but forced himself to work. He finally received Medicare in October. Eddie's drugs to prevent organ rejection were $1700 per month. This was not covered. The government required a hearing before considering disability, and it often is scheduled a year out.

Personal Motto

Eddie's motto he lived by was 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Final Years and Passing

On June 16, 2009, Eddie suffered a severe heart attack while at work and was taken by the life squad to Heritage Hospital in Tarboro. Doctors put in a pacemaker and defibrillator. He only had 11% of his heart functioning.

Jean called Eddie 2 or 3 times each day. The first call was after Diane had left for work at the Heritage Hospital in Tarboro.

On the morning of Jan. 12, 2010, Eddie called his mother and told her he had a bad night and asked her to come and sit with him. Jean said yes and they spoke a few more minutes. Eddie's last words were, "I love you, mama." Jean replied, "I love you, son."

Jean left Wilson immediately for the 40-plus minute drive. Before Jean arrived, Eddie had been taken by the Edgecombe County Rescue Squad to the hospital. Jean was told he died on the way to the hospital. The medical staff worked hard trying to bring him back. Jean's pastor drove over from Wilson.

Eddie died on Jan. 12, 2010, a few days before his disability hearing date. A graveside service was held at St. Michael Episcopal Church Cemetery. More than 451 signed his guest book. The Eddie Hill Memorial Fund was established to honor his memory.