February 16, 2025, 80, Mount Olive —
Delano Royce Hill joined his best friend in his heavenly home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Delano was born on March 28, 1944 to Ervin James and Katie Belle Hill. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Eva Jean Reaves Hill, his brother Tom Hill, and his sister Shirley Whitted.
Delano lived on a small farm in Mount Olive. At the age of five, he contracted the polio virus which affected both of his legs and lungs. Although he faced many obstacles, Delano persevered. He graduated from North Duplin High School, and married the love of his life, Eva, on August 21st, 1965. He continued his education at UNC at Pembroke and Mount Olive College. He also attended the American College for Financial Professionals where he received the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
Delano excelled as a professional salesman and professional consultant helping people create and retain wealth through his business, Delano Hill & Associates. He also founded Team Financial Resources in the 1990’s, where he continued to develop wealth for his clients. As a result of his successes, he was awarded the designation of Top of the Table of the Million Dollar Round Table; this is one of the highest honors in the life insurance industry. Delano also had the privilege to travel globally with his family due to his success.
Eva and Delano spent their free time traveling the world through cruises and other planned trips. Laura and Tony were able to travel with their parents growing up as well. They also enjoyed spending time with friends while eating dinner at Walnut Creek Country Club. Delano collected knives which he loved to gift visitors. He had an eye for a bargain and always dressed sharply. Delano spent time volunteering with the Mount Olive Exchange Club and served on numerous boards in the community.
Delano will be remembered by his son, Tony Hill (Kim Holmes), daughter, Laura (Reggie) Strickland, grandchildren Grayson and Savannah Strickland and fiancé, Kyle Gentry, all of Mount Olive. He is also cherished by sister-in-law, Anita Hill, nephews, Tom (Laura) Hill of Georgia and Dwayne Hill of Maryland, and nieces, Cheri and Nicole Hill, all of Georgia. Additionally, he is remembered by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wesley (Carol) Reaves, Jim Herring, Rick (Rene) Reaves, Connie (Stanley) Outlaw, and Jill Reaves.
The family will be accepting friends Tuesday, February 18 at the home from 4-7pm with a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delano R and Eva R Hill Endowment at the University of Mount Olive at PO Box 90, Mount Olive, NC 28365. A special thank you to the ICU nursing and medical teams at UNC Wayne Hospital for their attentive care during Delano’s final days.
