| Graduation Year | Class of 1973 |
| Date of Passing | May 20, 2017 |
| About | Funeral Service for Dr. HILL will be Thursday May 25, 2017 at the Bellville High School Auditorium at 2 PM with visitation from 1-2 PM. Dr. Welton Ellis Hill was the first son born to Welton Robert Hill and Janie Lou Wells. He arrived on August 19, 1955 in Laurel, Mississippi. He grew up in Humble, Texas, where he enjoyed racing dirt bikes. His father was in the United States Air Force, which sparked Welton's desire to become a pilot; however, his eyesight prevented him from living that dream at the time. As a young man Welton was inspired by the television series about Dr. Marcus Welby. Welton said he knew in his heart that being a doctor was his calling. He wanted to be a Dr. Welby, whom he viewed as a true hero. After graduating Humble High School Welton attended Houston Baptist University, where in only 3 years he graduated with the honor of suma cum laude, receiving his Bachelor of Science. He received his Doctor of Medicine from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed 4 years of residency in Family Practice at Memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston. A colleague introduced Welton to Dr. Winston Neely, and the town of Bellville. Welton said from all the opportunities that he was offered he just felt something special about this community, and, as he would say, he liked being a big fish in a little sea. He moved to Bellville and opened his practice in 1983, as a board certified Family Practitioner. This community immediately accepted Welton, who became known as the beloved "Doc Hill". He hit the ground running, working long hours, dedicated to his practice and his patients. Long hours and hard work resulted in unsuccessful attempts at marriage. One early spring day in 1989, however, a young couple made an appointment to meet Dr. Hill to interview him as a potential pediatrician for their soon to be born child. Dr. Hill was somewhat perplexed, stating no one had ever made an appointment with him for this reason. He chuckled, shook their hands and said he would be honored to be trusted with the job. Initially all went well. The baby was born, shortly after the mother returned to apply for a job at Dr. Hill's office. He hired her on the spot. Unfortunately the baby became very ill before his second birthday, resulting in another first in Dr. Hill's career. He had to tell this mother that her little boy was terminal with a rare cancer. This amazing man, this incredible doctor, would work long hard hours at his office and still take the time to drive to M.D. Anderson in the evenings to check on this little boy, Paul Gundy. Dr. Hill even drove his motorcycle in the rain, faithfully making this commute to visit Paul. The mother of Paul, Kimbra, had to bury her son, who died on his 4th birthday. Even though Dr. Hill had just been in a horse accident, suffered broken ribs, stitches on his face, a dislocated shoulder, and hobbled with a cane, he did not miss the funeral. That was his kind, sincere, loving nature. Eventually Kimbra became single and returned to part-time work at Dr. Hill's office while she was attending nursing school. On her first day back at work Dr. Hill called her into his office prior to lunch. He asked her for a social relationship, making it clear that he had no intention of re-marrying and under no circumstances did he ever want children. Doc and Kimbra had lunch at The Hill that day, August 3, 1993. They had a special bond because of little Paul. They never spent a day apart since then. November 1993 Welton proposed. September 2, 1994 Welton and Kimbra were married in Hawaii. December 9, 1995 Kimbra gave birth to their first child, Noah. It was the happiest day of Welton's life. He was consumed with joy and thankfulness to God. Three years later Kimbra informed Welton that they would be having another baby. Welton was so anxious and upset, fearing that he loved Noah so much that he could not possibly love another child, at least not as much as he did Noah. Well, the moment his little girl, Jordan, or as he affectionately called her, Jordibeth, was born, she already had her daddy wrapped around her finger! Welton quickly realized God gives us more than enough love! Welton was a happy family man, a respected physician, a dedicated man of honor and integrity, a pillar of our community. He served and loved his patients, always considering it an honor for a patient and their family to trust his knowledge, skill and care. He became very attached to his patients, as an extension of his family. Welton truly enjoyed being on the sidelines of the Bellville High School football games these many years of his career, since 1983. Anyone who knew Dr. Hill knew his love for fast cars, Harleys, and spinning Kimbra around a dance floor. Amidst his demanding career and family time Welton was able to achieve his childhood dream of becoming a licensed commercial pilot. He absolutely loved sharing the joy of flying with his family and friends, referring to his fleet as "Wildman Airways", which opens another chapter of exciting stories in the life of Welton Hill. Dr. Hill did not believe in patients suffering. He was a healer, a leader, a helper, a compassionate, selfless, genuine, nurturing, kind, intelligent, skillful physician, a loving father, and devoted husband. There were very few things that he enjoyed more in his life than living in Bellville, caring for this community and doing what he did best, healing people's bodies and minds, and broken spirits, bringing people happiness, relief, and peace. There are no words to express the sadness and loss that will be felt by those who loved him. Thank you, Welton, for touching our lives with all in you that was so good. Thank you, Welton, for accepting our love. Thank you for letting us celebrate the blessing that you were to each of us. You truly were an angel on this earth! May you rest in peace! Dr. Welton Hill is survived by his parents, his father Welton Robert Hill (wife Wanita Hill), his mother, Janie McCalla, and by his wife, Kimbra Beth Grigar Hill, and their children, Noah Ellis Hill and Jordan Beth Hill, also by his brother, Michael Hill (wife Melinda Hill), and his sister, Helen Alexander (husband Dan Alexander). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorials may be made to Welton E. Hill, MD Scholarship Fund |
