Richard Greenhill

Richard Franklin Greenhill, 86, of Woodbury passed away Sunday, August 11, 2013, with his family by his side following an eighteen month battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Stanley Lohse officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, at the funeral home.

Richard was a gentle, loving man dedicated to service in all forms. He was the primary caregiver for his parents during their later years, as well as for numerous aunts and uncles. He proudly served his country in World War II and served his church, his community, and Hill County in numerous capacities during the nearly seven decades since the end of the war. His family and the wider community will greatly miss the generous spirit of this leading citizen and humble servant, but will find comfort in the knowledge of his soul’s ongoing presence with the Father.

Richard was born December 20, 1926, in Woodbury, Texas to Robert Franklin and Stella (Stringer) Greenhill, the oldest of three siblings. His parents and two loving sisters, Joyce Nell Malone and Wanda Ruth Green, preceded him in death, as did his nephew, Mark Steven Malone.

There are not enough words or accolades to describe the devotion of Richard to family, community and church. He was a dedicated deacon and Sunday school teacher for over 56 years at Woodbury Baptist Church and a church member for over 72 years. He volunteered years of hard work and commitment to spearhead the effort of turning the old Hill County Jail into the wonderful Hill County Cell Block Museum in Hillsboro, serving as the museum’s executive director until shortly before his death. If that wasn't enough, he also was a board member and president of the Woodrow-Osceola Water Supply Corporation, president of the Hill County Historical Commission, Quarter Master for the American Legion Post #4, president of the Hill County Genealogical Society, and an officer of the Hill County Farm Bureau. He was instrumental in the formation of the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department and a charter member of the Woodbury Cemetery Association. He was also very involved in fund-raising and other volunteer efforts which enabled the rebuilding of the Hill County Courthouse after it burned.

He was private first class in the United States Army and served as a prison guard in Italy during the late years of World War II. After discharge, he attended Hillsboro Junior College and held positions at General Dynamics, USPS, and was a farmer-rancher in Woodbury.

Even though Richard never married, he was very close to his nieces and nephews and always a very important part of their lives. He is survived by brother-in-law, Billy Gene Malone; nephews, Thomas Michael Malone and Teresia, and Alan Dale Green and Tanya Buchko Green; nieces, Cynthia Malone Anderson and Marsha Lynne Green and Darrell Pargmann; great-nephews, Brandon Steven Malone and Amanda, Nicholas Michael Malone and Julliette, Craig Michael Anderson, Ian Paul Green, Benjamin Thomas Green Pargmann, Luka Alexander Green, and Harrison Robert Green Pargmann; great-nieces, Celina Faye Malone, Amanda Renea Kemp and Michael, and Maggie Malone Anderson; great-great nephews, Gunner Michael Kemp and Zachariah Christopher Malone; great-great nieces, Christina Leanne Morse, Jacie Renee Kemp, Baily Renee Coleman, Bailey Janine Malone, and Lexie Isabel Malone; and one great-great-great niece Ashleigh Rylee McLeroy.


Memorials may be made to the Hill County Cell Block Museum, P. O. Box 555, Hillsboro, TX 76645 or Woodbury Baptist Church, 2451 FM 309, Hillsboro, TX 76645.