Tony V. Hill

God shared Tony Vernon Hill with us for 84 years on this earth. Fireworks fill the air on each 4th of July for this remarkable man. Tony was born July 4, 1938 to Marie Boyd and Walter Wayne Hill. It’s been said that he was Grandmother’s favorite, being the only baby boy in the house. Tony was loved and shown just a little more favor. Tony was born in a town called Munford in southwest Tennessee. Tony would love to share stories about Mama Anna, Papa and Papa’s old mule. Tony would soon be school age and make a journey to Milwaukee, Wisconsin along with his sister Maxine, where he would start a life and build his legacy.

Tony, affectionately known as Pops, Poppa, and of course “Tiger” would make his mark in Milwaukee. He was known to be the smoothest man on 4 wheels. Everyone wanted to be at the skating rink and be in the presence of Tony the Tiger. Tony attended Milwaukee Public Schools and would go on to be a brewery worker with the Joseph Schlitz Brewery Company. Tony married Beverly Harrison and started his family; the union was blessed with five children.

As smooth as he was on wheels, Tony was just as talented with a ball and bat, earning several victories and winning championships with his Robert’s Lounge teammates. His best friend’s John, Carl, and Bobby always nearby. It’s been said that "Tony was the most kind, gentle, and loving man anyone could know". Which is the reason for catching the eye of Karen Bandy. Karen’s mother, Patricia, introduced them 1973 and with her blessing they married June 10, 1976 sharing a love story of 50 years. The two love birds blended their families and raised 10 beautiful children. Tony and Karen Made sure to have God at the forefront of their family, being members of St. Francis of Assisi Church for 50 years.

Tony was known for his culinary skills and famous Spaghetti Thursdays. Rumor has it that some neighborhood kids climbed through the kitchen window one evening and enjoyed a whole pot of his signature dish.

After retiring from the brewery, Tony would start his own lawn care service, with customers earning the cities coveted lawn of the month prize. Tony had quite the green thumb and loved working on his own yard. Tony’s nephew said that his Uncle’s grass looked better than NFL turf. When Tony wasn’t working you could find him with his Posse, Geneva, Marion, and Kitty down at the Wilson Club making everyone laugh. It was important to share the love as he was adopted by a young crew of Packer backers who made sure “Pops” was always taken care of.

Educating his children was Tony’s priority. His children excelled in school and sports. Tony loves spoiling his girls and teaching his sons to be men. His grandchildren were his pride and joy as he spent most of his of his retirement caring for them at Papa’s daycare. Tony potty trained, taught them their ABC’s and was there for so many of their firsts. The man of few words was often heard humming and when asked why, his reply was always the same, “because I’m happy!” Tony passed away surrounded by love on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. He is survived by his wife Karen, sisters Maxine, Sandra, children Cheryl, Bruce, Therese (Robert), Tony Jr, Patsy, Scott, David, Jerrold, Valencia (Joel), Vernon, grandchildren Melodie, Lalanda, Nilanna, Markess, Jackie, Quincy, Shanay, Sylvia, Raynell, Sheena, Shelly, Monique, Danae, Gabby, Skytavia, Tumira, Shanyla, Tionna, David III, Briona, and Kennedy. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Ronnell. We pray that Tony’s legacy of love and kindness carry on for generations to come.

Visitation will be held for Tony on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 9:00am until the time of Mass at 10:00am, all at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1927 North Vel R. Phillips Avenue (4th Street), Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

You can join Tony's service by live streaming at:    https://www.youtube.com/@StFrancisMilwaukee/streams

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