Welcome to the memorial page for
Reverend Dr. Max Hill
January 9, 1929 ~ August 10, 2016 (age 87) 87 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Bruce Garey
August 18, 2016 8:52 AM
Max Hill was the pastor of Morningside Methodist Church in Albany. He baptized me into the church after giving me instruction and certifying that I was ready to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior. Max married my brothers, John Garey (AHS Class of 1951) and Robert “Bob” Garey (AHS Class of 1953). He also married my sister, Lynn Garey Stine, after he had moved on and become pastor of the Ocilla Methodist Church. My mother, Mary Garey, served as church treasurer for Morningside Methodist Church for a time. It was a thankless, unpaid task. My
mother took the job on because no one else in the congregation would accept the
responsibility. Morningside had recently moved its location from a small temporary”
structure on East Road in Albany to a brick and mortar permanent facility on Mock Road. The church is still located in that location though it has been expanded on several occasions over the intervening years. But that’s enough family history regarding Brother Max. What I want to do here is give some insight into the kind of man Max Hill was and testimony to the depth of his faith in God.
I remember Brother Max coming to our house many times. He would sit with us in our small living room and often shared Sunday lunch with us. We never sat down to lunch that Brother Max did not ask the Lord’s blessing on the food that we shared. I can remember Brother Max never left our home without offering prayer. What I will never forget is seeing Brother Max sprawled out in my Dad’s chair with his huge feet up on our hassock. Max had world-class feet. He always said, “You can’t build a big house on a small foundation.” But it was not the size of Max’s shoes that caught my eye. It was the fact that there were always holes in the soles of both his shoes. He always had cardboard inside his shoes to keep his socks from wearing out. When the church took communion, he would kneel at the altar and everyone in the church saw the holes in Brother Max’s shoes.
In those days, Morningside Methodist Church in Albany was a struggling congregation. It was always “hand-to-mouth.” Bills did not always get paid on time. Not for lack of attention to obligations, but for the lack of capital to meet the church’s commitments. Max and my mother would huddle over our small kitchen table with the church checkbook and the month’s bills spread all over. My mother would show each invoice to Bro. Max and he would authorize payment. Inevitably, the point would come when a bill would be presented by my mother and Brother Max would tell my mother to pay it. My mother would reply, “But Brother Max, if I
pay this bill we won’t be able to pay your salary this week.” I lost count of the times I heard Brother Max reply, “Mary, just pay the bill, it’s not important that I get paid. The Lord will provide.”
Those were not easy words for Max Hill to utter. Morningside had a small and poor
congregation. Brother Max had a large family to feed. Most church members there were farmers or blue collar workers. The church treasury was often down to a two-digit balance. But Brother Max was a true man of faith. He believed it when he said God would provide.
Somehow it always worked out. Morningside Church has grown over the years and it still thrives today, thanks in no small measure to the great faith of one of its pastors. Max Hill, man of God!
mother took the job on because no one else in the congregation would accept the
responsibility. Morningside had recently moved its location from a small temporary”
structure on East Road in Albany to a brick and mortar permanent facility on Mock Road. The church is still located in that location though it has been expanded on several occasions over the intervening years. But that’s enough family history regarding Brother Max. What I want to do here is give some insight into the kind of man Max Hill was and testimony to the depth of his faith in God.
I remember Brother Max coming to our house many times. He would sit with us in our small living room and often shared Sunday lunch with us. We never sat down to lunch that Brother Max did not ask the Lord’s blessing on the food that we shared. I can remember Brother Max never left our home without offering prayer. What I will never forget is seeing Brother Max sprawled out in my Dad’s chair with his huge feet up on our hassock. Max had world-class feet. He always said, “You can’t build a big house on a small foundation.” But it was not the size of Max’s shoes that caught my eye. It was the fact that there were always holes in the soles of both his shoes. He always had cardboard inside his shoes to keep his socks from wearing out. When the church took communion, he would kneel at the altar and everyone in the church saw the holes in Brother Max’s shoes.
In those days, Morningside Methodist Church in Albany was a struggling congregation. It was always “hand-to-mouth.” Bills did not always get paid on time. Not for lack of attention to obligations, but for the lack of capital to meet the church’s commitments. Max and my mother would huddle over our small kitchen table with the church checkbook and the month’s bills spread all over. My mother would show each invoice to Bro. Max and he would authorize payment. Inevitably, the point would come when a bill would be presented by my mother and Brother Max would tell my mother to pay it. My mother would reply, “But Brother Max, if I
pay this bill we won’t be able to pay your salary this week.” I lost count of the times I heard Brother Max reply, “Mary, just pay the bill, it’s not important that I get paid. The Lord will provide.”
Those were not easy words for Max Hill to utter. Morningside had a small and poor
congregation. Brother Max had a large family to feed. Most church members there were farmers or blue collar workers. The church treasury was often down to a two-digit balance. But Brother Max was a true man of faith. He believed it when he said God would provide.
Somehow it always worked out. Morningside Church has grown over the years and it still thrives today, thanks in no small measure to the great faith of one of its pastors. Max Hill, man of God!
A candle was lit by Linda Braswell Torpy
on August 14, 2016 1:45 PM
Message from W. Carl and Geneva Howard, Valdosta, Georgia
August 13, 2016 4:43 PM
We are sorry to learn about Max's death. He and Ann both were great spirits and will be missed. Their contributions were many both to the churches they served
and to the people they served. May God Comfort each of you as you travel this part of the journey in your lives.
In the Service of our Lord.
Carl and Geneva, Retired Pastor and spouse.
and to the people they served. May God Comfort each of you as you travel this part of the journey in your lives.
In the Service of our Lord.
Carl and Geneva, Retired Pastor and spouse.
Message from Joel mad Joyce Dent
August 13, 2016 12:01 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Max and Ann both had the gift of hospitality and we received it only many occasions. What a great ministry they share.
Message from Linda Bell English
August 13, 2016 11:14 AM
Kevin,Jean, and Hill family. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this time of loss. Dr. Hill was an awesome servant of God, and I know that he has a place of honor in his heavenly home. I heard Dr. Hill preach many sermons and I always came away feeling uplifted and closer to God. He is going to be missed by all who knew him. He was so loved in my home church at Marvin. Love and prayers to you.
A candle was lit by Linda Bell English
on August 13, 2016 11:01 AM
A candle was lit by Jean Odom Beckworth
on August 13, 2016 10:28 AM
A candle was lit by Brenda & Burke Corbett
on August 13, 2016 10:21 AM
Message from Julia Lackey Hamilton, daughter of Bob & Jeanette Lackey
August 12, 2016 11:23 PM
God bless this wonderful family. Max Hill was gracious enough to marry me in 1993 in Sylvester, Ga. at Pinson United Methodist Church. Both he and Ann were wonderful role-models to me when I was a teenager at Pinson United Methodist Church where I occasionally played piano on Sunday evenings. My prayers and thoughts are with Ann, Vick and the entire Hill family. You have SO MUCH to be PROUD of with your father and grandfather. He was such a "gentle giant" in my eyes and truly a man of God.
Message from Donna Ann, Al, Alexander, and Andrew Darley
August 12, 2016 11:23 PM
Dear Hill Family,
Dr. Hill earned our admiration and respect many years ago when he pastored the First Church (as he often called it) in Lyons. It was wonderful news when he "retired" and moved back to Lyons. But it was a true blessing to our family and all the folks at Marvin United Methodist Church when Dr. Hill decided to come out of retirement to become our beloved pastor for ten years. He and "Miss" Ann were indeed a team and served us well during those ten years. "Miss" Ann was always sure to keep Dr. Hill straight from her front row pew! We grew spiritually and in number during their time with us. We have a wealth of memories from our years spent together. One in particular was the special Sunday when our entire family of four joined the church along with eight others. Dr. Hill said that was the most he'd ever had to join in one service. He was a Godly man...as close to a saint as I've ever known. I loved to watch his hands when he delivered his sermons. They were big hands, long and slender...but he had a prayerful and reverent way of holding them when he spoke. Another memory that always brings a smile is when we'd sing a congregational song and he'd hold a note out loudly and forever! One of my treasured possessions is his signed book which I've referred to many times raising my boys. He made a great impact on the lives of many. He will be missed. We are thankful he is no longer suffering and glad that he is reunited with "Miss" Ann. He and "Miss" Ann left a wonderful legacy in their fine children and grandchildren. Our prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Donna Ann, Al, Alexander, and Andrew Darley
Dr. Hill earned our admiration and respect many years ago when he pastored the First Church (as he often called it) in Lyons. It was wonderful news when he "retired" and moved back to Lyons. But it was a true blessing to our family and all the folks at Marvin United Methodist Church when Dr. Hill decided to come out of retirement to become our beloved pastor for ten years. He and "Miss" Ann were indeed a team and served us well during those ten years. "Miss" Ann was always sure to keep Dr. Hill straight from her front row pew! We grew spiritually and in number during their time with us. We have a wealth of memories from our years spent together. One in particular was the special Sunday when our entire family of four joined the church along with eight others. Dr. Hill said that was the most he'd ever had to join in one service. He was a Godly man...as close to a saint as I've ever known. I loved to watch his hands when he delivered his sermons. They were big hands, long and slender...but he had a prayerful and reverent way of holding them when he spoke. Another memory that always brings a smile is when we'd sing a congregational song and he'd hold a note out loudly and forever! One of my treasured possessions is his signed book which I've referred to many times raising my boys. He made a great impact on the lives of many. He will be missed. We are thankful he is no longer suffering and glad that he is reunited with "Miss" Ann. He and "Miss" Ann left a wonderful legacy in their fine children and grandchildren. Our prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Donna Ann, Al, Alexander, and Andrew Darley
Message from Jimmy Alexander
August 13, 2016 9:23 AM
I was going to post our love for Dr. Max.After reading the post by Donna Ann. All l can say is Kudos to her post! She said all the things I was thinking about Dr. Hill! Thank you Donna Ann and thank you Dr. Hill.What a thrill to know you Miss Ann are together again!😇
Message from Mary Lee (Clayton) Blythe
August 12, 2016 7:19 PM
I met Max when he started dating my sister Ann over 60 years ago. Max was a very loving father and talked all the time about how much he loved his children. He was a great husband, loving father and a wonderful minister. Max was a big part of our lives and we enjoyed spending time with him at church, on vacations, and through regular visits. My family and I will miss him very much as I am sure his family and loved ones will too. God called him home to be with Ann and while I am sad he is gone I am comforted to know that he is with our Lord and all of our loved ones that passed before him.
A candle was lit by Kelli, Courtney and Chase Musselman
on August 12, 2016 6:48 PM
Message from Bill Lee
August 12, 2016 3:51 PM
Max Hill, my friend in ministry and great man of thought, who could take the simplest things and magnify them into such wondrous ideas from the Old and New Testament, will be missed. His heart was that of genuine kindness, love and encouragement. Jan and I will pray for family and our community. Thanks Max for being my friend.
A candle was lit by Wayne and Kathy Davis
on August 12, 2016 2:35 PM
A candle was lit by Helen and Jim Green
on August 12, 2016 2:14 PM
Message from Terry and Linda Solana
August 12, 2016 2:09 PM
So saddened to learn of Brother Max's passing. He and Ann were so special to us at Dawson Street UMC. We will always cherish the memories of their time with us.
Message from Sue Rustin Grisham
August 12, 2016 11:44 AM
What a great man Dr. Hill has been. I am so honored to know him. He was always so pleasant to talk with and had a good hug for me. God blessed him with a good life and he will be missed greatly. To all of his family, I send you love and sympathy. God bless you.
A candle was lit by The Bryans in Worth County, Ga-Johnny Bryan
on August 12, 2016 10:27 AM
Message from Jeanette & Bob Lackey
August 12, 2016 10:22 AM
We are so sorry for the loss of Bro. Max. He was a super pastor and friend. We have missed him since we retired to No. GA mountains, but remember him fondly. Especially remember him performing Julia's wedding at Pinson. We send our sympathy and condolences to all the family. They were a lovely couple and friends.
Jeanette & Bob Lackey
Jeanette & Bob Lackey
A candle was lit by Sue Rustin Grisham
on August 12, 2016 10:16 AM
A candle was lit by Mark and Karen Bibby
on August 12, 2016 10:11 AM
A candle was lit by Kay and Gil. Williams
on August 12, 2016 10:05 AM
A candle was lit by Debbie Lovelace Clifton
on August 12, 2016 9:42 AM
A candle was lit by Sharon Morris
on August 12, 2016 4:42 AM
Message from Mary Baldree
August 11, 2016 10:03 PM
How I used to enjoy those days Bro. Max would come sit at my desk and talk about life with me! He loved his family so very much - my prayers are with you all.
A candle was lit by Dale & Lisa Smith
on August 11, 2016 9:47 PM
Message from Brian and Kathy Siked
August 11, 2016 9:23 PM
Praying for your family. He was such an encouragement and help to mamma while at Summers Landing. He was a precious man.
A candle was lit by Brian and Kathy Sikes
on August 11, 2016 9:20 PM
A candle was lit by Karen and Doug Dees
on August 11, 2016 8:53 PM
A candle was lit by Sherri Vaughn
on August 11, 2016 8:51 PM
A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Aunt Mary Lee, Janet, Susan, Lisa, Vicki and families on August 11, 2016
Message from Marilyn Cowart
August 11, 2016 8:07 PM
Dr. Hill had such a sweet soul. He and Ann are together to continue their journey. Prayers for the family.
A candle was lit by Marilyn Cowart
on August 11, 2016 8:02 PM
A candle was lit by Wil, Courtney, and Kaleb Dixon
on August 11, 2016 7:08 PM
Message from Wil, Courtney,& Kaleb Dixon
August 11, 2016 7:07 PM
We are praying for you all and we very much wish we could be there.... Please let us know if we can do anything.
A candle was lit by Paula Jones
on August 11, 2016 6:56 PM
A candle was lit by Jana O'Conner
on August 11, 2016 6:34 PM
A candle was lit by Terri Kennedy
on August 11, 2016 6:20 PM
A candle was lit by Barbara Hal
on August 11, 2016 6:01 PM
A candle was lit by Greg and Mary James
on August 11, 2016 5:13 PM
A candle was lit by Van and Doris Phillips
on August 11, 2016 5:03 PM
A candle was lit by Randall & Sherri F. Cooper
on August 11, 2016 3:52 PM
A candle was lit by Jana and Wayne Underwood
on August 11, 2016 3:47 PM
A candle was lit by Randall and Evelyn James
on August 11, 2016 2:50 PM
A candle was lit by Connie James Brown
on August 11, 2016 2:50 PM
Message from jerry and bonnie bailey
August 11, 2016 2:42 PM
Mr Max was a wonderful man and jerry and I were so honored to get to know him.,While jerry was in the Bethany home for therpy from a knee replacement Mr Max was his roommate . We both use to love to sit and listen to his stories about his life ... I remember on his 85th birthday I had a special caked baked for him that he could have since he wasn't suppose to have many sweets. He will be greatly missed .. God has another angel looking after all of us now.
Jerry and Bonnie Bailey
Jerry and Bonnie Bailey
A candle was lit by Janet Lindsey Williamson
on August 11, 2016 2:40 PM
Message from Janet Lindsey Williamson
August 11, 2016 2:39 PM
My children and I lived next door to Mr.and Mrs Hill for a little while and they were really good to us. He was a fine, decent, compassionate man.His passing is truly a great loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. May God comfort you all at this time.
A candle was lit by Johnny & Pam Griggers4
on August 11, 2016 2:36 PM
Message from Johnny & Pam Griggers
August 11, 2016 2:35 PM
Sorry to hear about Mr. Max. He will be missed at the church. He has been a cornerstone for the Lyons Methodist a long time. I know that he and Miss Ann are walking the streets of glory together. You are all in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Know we are as close as the phone if there is anything we can do
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