Sergeant Hill was born in Richmond, Indiana, and grew up in Holland, Mich. He enlisted in the military out of high school, serving in the Navy in World War II.

He later joined the Army and served as a medic in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired in 1970 with the rank of sergeant and moved to Takoma Park.

After his Army service, Sergeant Hill worked for many years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring sterilizing medical equipment. He worked as a dishwasher at the Tastee Diner in Silver Spring until his retirement two years ago.

He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring. He enjoyed feeding birds and had six bird feeders in his back yard.

A son, James A. Hill, died in 1995.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Alice Hill of Silver Spring; four children, Julie M. Brooks of Gaithersburg, Francis R. Hill Jr. of Beltsville, Richard D. Hill of Prince Frederick and Christopher Hill of Bowie; and seven grandchildren.