Senator Jack S. Hill: 30 Years of Life in Georgia Politics presented by Kim Liebl: About Jack S. Hill

Jack graduated from Reidsville High School in 1962. Four years later, Jack earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgia Southern College.
 

Senator Hill began his military career by enlisting in the 165th Military Airlift Group of the Georgia Air National Guard in 1967. He received technical training as a special vehicle repairman and a commission in August 1968. Senator Hill graduated from the Supply Officers Training Course and held several positions in the 165th, including Supply Manager and Procedures Officer, and 165th Education and Training Officer. In 1982, he was named Commander of the 165th Combat Support Squadron. From 1987 until 1997, he served as Support Group Commander of the 165th Air Wing (ACC) when he was named State Inspector General of the Georgia Air National Guard assigned to State headquarters. From July 15, 2002, until July 15th, 2004, Senator Hill served as a U.S. Air Force Reserve member assigned to the Selective Service System as a Reserve Force Officer. He then rose to the rank of Colonel. 

Jack’s awards and decorations while in the military include:

• In 1979, named “Citizen of the Year” by the Georgia Air National Guard
• In 2003 named the Senior Officer of the Year in Region II of the Selective Service System  
• The Legion of Merit Award
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal 
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six Oak Leaf Clusters 
• Small Arms Marksmanship Medal 
• National Defense Service Medal
• The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
• Georgia Outstanding Service Medal
• Joint Service Commander Medal 
• Exceptional Service Award with Silver Medal 
•  National Guard Association Meritorious Service Award

Jack's father, Wilton, was known for working on behalf of school bus drivers for 45 years as Executive Director of the Georgia School Bus Drivers Association and drove a bus for 12 years. Wilton served two terms in the Georgia State Legislature, once in the State Senate, from 1957 to 1958, and once in the House of Representatives, from 1959to1960. During this time, he helped establish a state retirement system, the State Merit Health Insurance, sick leave, and state-supported salaried for Georgia school bus drivers.

Jack became an independent grocer and owned and operated the Hill Shopping Center in Reidsville, Georgia, from 1969 until 2004. Jack came from a long line of small-town grocers. Jack’s grandfather, Stanhope Walter Hill, owned the S. W. Hill Grocery in Brooklet, Georgia. Wilton also owned a grocery store and ice house in Reidsville, Georgia. Jack later inherited the property to build his store on the same site. The Hill Shopping Center closed in 2004.

Jack and his wife, Ruth Ann, were married in 1972. Ruth Ann also attended Georgia Southern and was a Triple Eagle, earning degrees in 1973, 1990, and 1991. She worked as a school teacher and later retired from Reidsville Elementary School as Principal. Aside from being an educator, she also helped Jack at the store. Each week, she would showcase the item of the week in the frozen food section and create demonstrations and costumes according to the location or region the food originated from. Together they raised three children: Dawn, Amy, and Lance.