Arthur Hill

Lee Hill, age 75, passed away on April 21, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Lee was the only child of the late Arthur and Mabel Hill of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Growing up, Lee discovered his love of sports and became a star athlete for Madison Heights High School playing football, basketball, baseball and a four event track team member. As a natural talent, Lee racked up multiple league and state honors for football and basketball, and set numerous school and league track records including grand slams. Many opposing coaches called Lee a "coach's dream" not only for his raw talent, but for his work ethic, determination and heart that he put into every game and practice.

After graduation, Lee married his high school sweetheart, Connie, and joined the Air Force serving for 8 years in The Security Service doing tours in Pakistan, South Korea and Germany. In the years the two spent abroad is where Lee found his love of softball as well as coaching. Lee was a highly respected individual on and off the field and one again was successful at everything he attempted.

Upon leaving the Air Force, Lee decided to pursue a degree in Physical Education, receiving his Bachelor's degree at San Angelo State University and his Master's degree at Georgia Southern. The two then moved to Florida where Lee began his teaching and coaching career. Being a multi-sport athlete led to being a multi-sport coach. Lee led his football and basketball teams to state titles as well as having many of his track team members earn state honors as well.

In 1981, the family moved to Ohio where Lee began teaching and coaching at Springfield High School. A bit different from the gym, Lee moved into a classroom setting where he taught OWA. His goal with this program was to provide at-risk students with basic job skills and placing students in Penta County Vocational School. There were many success stories from the program. Lee put not only hard work, but heart into helping each of these students that would have likely fallen through the cracks. Lee coached football at several area schools, but ended his coaching career at Springfield as the head varsity softball coach.

Lee's love of softball was evident by his involvement in summer travel programs and was very instrumental in starting AWABSA in the Anthony Wayne area as well as SGS which encompassed much of Northwest Ohio. As an educator he helped teach younger students how to umpire and started the youth umpiring program in the Anthony Wayne area as well. As a result of his hard work and success, he was inducted into the Northwest Ohio Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

After his retirement, Lee continued to keep statistics for both the football and basketball teams at Springfield, but spent most of his time doing one of his favorite activities, which was bowling. Lee found his home alley at Al Mar Lanes and bowled in multiple leagues enjoying further successes in bowling both 298 and 299 games. Several years Lee participated in Senior Olympic qualifying tournaments but found the most fun in league play with the friends he had made throughout the years. Lee will be remembered not only for his successes, but for his determination, hard work, and having the heart of a true champion no matter the situation.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 56 years, Connie; daughter, Shannon (Craig) Miller and grandchildren, Samantha, Tyler and Haley.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 4-7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900). The Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project in Lee's name.