Hill, Robert Craig

Robert Craig Hill, 48, of Christiansburg, Va., died on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at home surrounded by family (in the arms of his loving wife). Robert was born in Richmond, Va., on August 18, 1961. He was a devoted teacher at Christiansburg Middle School who loved the study of science and nature, but truly loved the students he taught. He had a Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree from Virginia Tech in the School of Education. Robert embraced life and lived to the fullest extent. He was a loyal friend, devoted father, and gentle companion. He was an accomplished guitarist and talented musician. Robert is survived by his wife, Karen Midkiff Hill; two young daughters, Eden Elizabeth Hill and Raina Jolie Hill; his father, Dr. Robert W. Hill and wife, Dr. Jane Ratcliff Hill, of Abingdon, Va.; his mother, Betty Milliron Mims and her husband, Jack Mims, of Summerville, S.C.; his maternal grandmother, Bessie Millirons, of Blue Ridge, Ga.; his uncles and aunts, Edna and David Duffy, of Blue Ridge, Ga., Steven Craig Hill and Lori, of Bluff City, Tenn., and Sherry Lutz Hill, of Long Island, N.Y. Robert was preceded in death by this paternal grandparents, Robert L. Hill and Inez Hill. A special thank you to all Robert and Karen’s wonderful friends, family, the community and the Christiansburg Middle School family for the long lasting and ever present support. The prayers and words of encouragement, food, child care, gift cards and just simple friendship all made a most difficult journey possible. A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to Dr. Harry McCoy III and his entire care team and the 2nd floor nursing staff at Montgomery Regional Hospital. With their loving hearts and hands, Robert was guided and supported in his long and courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2010, at Christiansburg Middle School in Christiansburg, Va. A reception at the school will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the College Education Fund for Eden and Raina Hill, Stellar One Bank, Robert Hill Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 600, Christiansburg, Va. 24068. McCoy Funeral Home is serving the Hill family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.mccoyfuneralhome@verizon.net.