Michael Jay Hill, a man known for his unconditional love, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the happiness of others, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025. He was 74 years old.  Michael's non-judgmental nature and willingness to do anything for those he cared about will be deeply missed. He especially cherished his wife, Brenda Jane Caraway Hill, and there was nothing he wouldn't do to make her happy.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 19, 1950, Michael later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he graduated from Fair Park High School in 1968.  Following graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country that he loved immensely.  He spent part of his time in the Army stationed in Germany, and it quickly became his favorite place.  After the Army, he decided his time in the military wasn't up, and quickly enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent another four years.

After his military service, Michael worked for Otasco, and later Davison Transport (Genesis) out of Ruston, Louisiana. His passion for cooking, especially for large gatherings, led him to run a restaurant near Louisiana Tech University in the late 1980s. He would often go out of his way to cook multiple dishes for some in order to make those in his life happy.  In his leisure time, Michael enjoyed the simpler things: watching TV, playing pool, expressing his creativity through ceramics, and traveling. He was a dedicated football fan, fondly remembered a pet donkey he once owned, enjoyed trips to Mexico, and collected Santa Claus figurines.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry "Bunker" Coleman Hill and Fay Hill, and his mother, Tommye Faith Smothers.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Jane Caraway Hill; his two sisters, Brenda (Mike Smoak) and Cheryl (Johnny Barbo); his two sons, Michael Eugene Hill (Sonia) and Jacob Aaron Hill (Sarah): three stepchildren, William Carlton Jefcoat, Jessica Carscadden (Jay), and Katherine "Katie" McCusker; fourteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Michael will be missed by all who knew him, but we rejoice in knowing that he lived a full life and is now at peace.  A memorial service to celebrate Michael's life will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 E Kings Hwy, Shreveport, Louisiana.  Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow on February 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery located at 7970 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/ or the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.