Maxwell Lawrence Hill, Jr., 70, of St. Albans, WV, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 18, 2019. The son of the late Jimmie Hill and Christine McLaughlin, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Janie Meadows.
Max was a 1967 graduate of Scott High School and a graduate of Fairmont State University. Called to the ministry, he earned a Masters degree and Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
His work for the Lord began in 1981 at Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Zebulon, NC, where he first served as pastor. Then he went to First Baptist Church of Jonesville, NC, where he also served as volunteer chaplain for the athletic teams at Starmount High School in Boonville, NC. Max returned to West Virginia in 2001 where he became pastor at Clarksburg Baptist Church in Clarksburg, WV.
Later, he served as area minister and associate executive director for the West Virginia Baptist Convention. He was also previously interim pastor of Crab Orchard Baptist Church and currently served as interim pastor of First Baptist Church of Danville.
In 2009, Max’s work with the West Virginia Baptist Convention resulted in his relocating in St. Albans. He is a member of Oakwood Baptist Church in Charleston.
Max’s call to serve led him to take on mission work in Cuba. He began traveling to the island country in 1991 and returned every year after. His plan was to return in December 2019. This work was dear to his heart and Max loved the many people he met in Cuba who welcomed him through Christ.
Max was pastor emeritus of the El Jordan Baptist Church in Havana, Cuba.
Max was a family man, loved his wife and daughter, was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed many Friday nights on the sidelines at Starmount football games as well as coaching first base for the baseball team.
He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Debbie Bell Hill; daughter, Melinda (Brian) Greathouse of Dunbar; sisters, Barbara (Jack) Bays of Elkview and Joyce (Bill) Saul of Morrisvale.
Visitation will be Friday, October 25, from 6-8 p.m. at Oakwood Baptist Church, 855 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV, and 2 hours prior to the service on Saturday.
Service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at the church with Pastors David Carrico, David Hulme, and David Moutz officiating. Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Max’s work in Cuba, Max Hill Ministries, 1918 Harrison Avenue, St. Albans, WV 25177
Debbie and Melinda,
I was saddened to hear of Max’s passing. All of you were a special part of Starmount and Jonesville, and there are so many good memories of those days. Take care of each other through these difficult times; you already know that God is with you to give you the comfort and peace you need.
I remember Max very well from his time at Pine Ridge. I especially appreciate the time he spent visiting my parents. He was a dedicated scholar and humanitarian for all people.
It was always a huge blessing when Max would come preach at North Hills. We are praying for you, Melinda and Debbie.
Among our staff, Max was known for being near fluent in Spanish, fluent in “Coalfield” and often said he “spoke a little English as well.” However, he was most eloquent in the language of the heart to draw people into the presence of the living God. This eloquence was apparent as our team practiced “intense candor and robust dialogue” and as he coached pastors through ministry issues, as well of course in his preaching and teaching. I count it a great privilege to have served alongside Max. Sherry and I pray that Debbie, Melinda and family will experience the comfort that comes with God’s powerful presence.
Max was one of those folks I loved to be with. We would meet up at IM events and talk about his work in Cuba as well as my work at IM. A listening ear, a huge laugh, a caring countenance, a servant’s heart…those are things that I loved about him and will miss.
Debbie and Melinda. We will miss Max. He was a good friend who enjoyed sharing the joy of the Lord. We look forward to reuniting with him when it is our turn to leave this earth. We are praying that during this difficult time you will be filled with the peace that passes all understanding.
I loved to hear Max preach. I learned so much traveling with him to Cuba on one of his mission trips. He was very helpful to me and my family as my Area Minister. He was truly a pastor’s pastor. I will miss his great advice and kindness.. My prayers are with Debbie and his family, Danville Baptist Church and the Fraternity of Baptist Churches in Cuba.
My memory of Max will always be a smiling face, willingness to share wisdom and a true heart for mission. He set an example to all of the importance of coming along people in order to mentor them and give them a firm foundation in the faith. He certainly added much to my life. I am sorry to miss the celebration of a life well lived for Christ. Much love and prayers for coping.
Debbie and Melinda and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your family holds a special place in our hearts. You are in our prayers
Darwin and Lisa Barr
Max was my classmate, friend and brother in Christ. His joyful nature and laughter could fill a room. He will be missed at our class reunion get togethers. My heartfelt condolences, love and prayers to his family. I know I’ll see him again, R.I.P. my friend.
Debbie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know some of what you are feeling. Max is fine, you take care of yourself.
Max was a dear friend and a true servant of Christ. He will be greatly missed here, and greatly welcomed in the arms of Jesus. Prayers for Debbie, Melinda and family. I regret that I cannot share my love for you in person, but know without question that you are in my prayers. May the peace of Christ surround you in this time of celebration of a life well lived. John Simmons
Such a wonderful man. God blessed him with a beautiful gift of transparency, Jesus’s love shone through him for all the world to see. He will be missed by many. May God hold his loved ones in the arms of His comforting embrace.
Debbie and Melinda, I am so very sorry to hear of Max’s passing. I will remind you I am Thad and Don’s daughter from Jonesville. Such sad news to hear. My thoughts and prayers for both of you. Melinda I have been keeping up with everything you have been going through. Just so sorry. Prayers for the both of you.
My prayers are with both of you. Max was such a blessing to us at Racine First Baptist. He had a special bond with my husband, Don Ballard, over the years. He will be greatly missed.