Bishop Avis L. Hill, 79, of Barboursville, formerly of Alum Creek born October 5, 1943, departed this life to be with Jesus, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Saint Mary’s Medical Center.
Bishop Hill is survived by one loving daughter, the apple of his eye, Paula (Joe) Hill Gillenwater of Hollywood, SC and her mother, Linda “Eskew” Bailey, and a special friend of the family Angie Hedrick Brown an undeclared adopted daughter. Angie from childhood looked to Bishop Hill as a mentor and Father figure. Angie is the daughter of Bucky and Carol Hedrick lifetime friends.
He is also survived by 3 stepsons, Joseph Bailey, of Cross Lanes, WV, Robert Bailey, and Timothy Bailey of Morgantown, WV and their mother, Jane Hill of Alum Creek, WV. 2 brothers, Rev. Bill (Paula) Hill of South Charleston, WV & Tim (Brenda) Hill, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, plus nephews and nieces and a host of cousins and friends from WV to Florida.
Bishop Hill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rev. Sherry McGee-Hill and stepson, Gary Chavann of West Palm Beach, Florida, and also preceded in death by brother, Rev. Randall Hill of Camp Creek, WV, father, Buster Avis Hill and mother, Dollie Mae Linville Hill.
Bishop Hill was pastor of Westgate Tabernacle and Sheltering the Homeless, poor and hurting. Bishop Hill was like a father to over 200 men, women, children, and elderly for 20 years, also feeding over 500 meals per day in Palm Beach County until 2011.
Bishop Hill was awarded numerous humanitarian awards, Man of the Year, Brown University. Also, awarded one of the top 10 humanitarians of South Florida, featured in a documentary on YouTube called “Avis vs. Goliath Documentary” Westgate Tabernacle, Pastor advocating in the homeless outreach of Palm Beach County!
Bishop Hill was a conservative Christian voice on behalf of God, family, and country. The great textbook war of 1974, Kanawha Country’s largest citizen uprising, to nearly dwarf the United Mine Worker Blair Mountain Stand, Boone County, WV fighting with John L. Lewis, for union recognition. This textbook war, cultural revolution struggle, backed by NEA and other supporting the removal of prayer from our public schools along with removal of the 10 Commandments. The early days of the cultural revolution that has been responsible for The Secular Humanist (man of god) movement in our educational establishments today, for over 40 years.
Reverend Hill also appeared on numerous TV and radio talk shows. 60 minutes, Maury Povich, where he debated atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair, who in 1963 was responsible for the Supreme Court of the US striking down prayer in our schools! Also, the Phil Donahue Show out of Chicago!
Founder of Dollie Hill Christian Academy, graduating many young Christian leaders, from church pastors, professionals, doctors, and numerous small business leaders to hard working blue collar skilled workers. Working to make America great again! Also, founder and pioneer of a Christian 24/7 cable TV station in Alum Creek, WV, Bishop’s hometown.
Oasis International Ministry, of which Bishop Hill president and has continued even to this day, by Hope, his former wife. Still providing food through “Feeding America” by Feeding South Florida, the West Palm Beach area.
Bishop’s last years, lived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He and wonderful friend, Peggy Wynock, traveled and Bishop also worked as associate music minister with Rev. Jeff Wood, pastor of Oasis of Mercy and also attending Victory Baptist Church on occasion, great fellowship.
Bishop Avis was limited in the last years, fighting a battle after 2 heart attacks and COPD. His ministry was on Facebook where he had over 5,000 friends, over 3600 following daily on his Facebook page.
His need for a 24-hour caretaker after 2 heart attacks and his battle with COPD was answered by his distant cousin and companion, former student of Dollie Hill Christian Academy! It’s something to see God causing doors to open concerning our needs.
Bishop and his faithful furball companion cock a poo, Biscuit, hosted the A & B hour at 11am daily on Facebook for over 7 years. Music and singing was one of the best ways to deliver the message of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Bishop Hill remarked in his last years that God had allowed him the opportunity to minister to more people by way of the internet than any other time in his life.
Although Bishop Hill never shirked away from the opportunity to speak truth to power. His nearly 50 years of ministry has given him opportunity to be guest on numerous TV and radio stations. From testifying in US Congress Congressional Hearings to actually being a candidate for US Congress of the 3rd Congressional district of WV in 1976.
Bishop Hill’s conservative opinions have been forward and bold. Standing for the Pro-Life Movement since the Roe vs. Wade decision by the US Supreme Court in 1973. His God fearing love for family and country has caused him to be like a lightning rod as he stood proudly for the very things that has made America Great! Even to his strong conservative opinions! And his support of Donald J. Trump in his attempt to make America great again! We can make a difference! Because if we fail to stand up for freedom, silence is acceptable! God bless and keep you until we meet again with our Lord Jesus Christ and our many loved ones in Heaven! In God We Trust.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastors David Bragg & Charles Shelton officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Cemetery, Alum Creek. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ten Up Ministries, 12646 Coal River Road, St. Albans, WV 25177 or Union Mission, 503 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301.
Prayers and condolences from the McKenna family. Avis and the rest of the protestors made a large impression on my young mind, as my New York born and bred father ventured into the “wilds” of WVA to help out with the textbook war. God bless Avis and all the good people who stood up for truth.
Avis used to be a plumber and worked for my stepfathers plumbing company in St. Albans. That was even before the textbook controversy. I always liked Avis and will always remember him. My stepfather also liked him as he was a good employee and very dependable. That was prior to his becoming involved in a church. We were always happy to say we knew him when his name would be mentioned. RIP Avis. You made a big difference in the world and were a great example of how we are supposed to treat one another.
I’am Glad to had the chance to meet Mr.Avis Hill last year near the WV. State Capitol…Maybe gone, but never Forgotten….
Paula & Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know all of you are devastated. Our families were blessed to have such wonderful earthly fathers who loved the Lord. Even though we miss them dearly, what a joy it will be to reunite with them one day for eternity! Praying that God gives you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Love you,
Rob & Joyce (Madden) Davis
I only knew Bishop Avis as a Facebook friend. He was a very special kind man. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Many precious memories. Love from the Sutphin’s
Avis was a Culture War hero and is now singing in heaven.
Dear Paula and family:
So very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I know you were so very close and you will miss him so much. I know the heartache and tremendous loss you feel right now. I still feel it everyday even after all the many years that have passed since I lost my own precious Dad and brother.
The very best comfort we can have is knowing that they are at peace and in paradise where there is no pain and being forever more in God/Jesus’ Loving presence.
May God Bless and comfort you as only he can do.
Love you,
Marshall &
Sandy (Madden) Pauley