Obituary of Charles Francis Hill

Charles Francis Hill, 88, of Erlanger, KY, passed away surrounded by loving family and friends at his residence on April 29, 2025. Born in Covington, KY on September 15, 1936, he was the son of Frank Hill and Bessie Fryer Hill.  Charlie was a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky and before that, of Holmes High School.

For Charlie, music was everything -- the signature leitmotif of his time with us here on Earth. It was a source of joy and emotion, a creative outlet, a source of comfort and escape. It was a reflection of his identity and beliefs and as a devout Christian, a way to worship.  

Most importantly, music was a way to connect with others. A multi-instrumentalist, he focused personal practice on woodwinds (specifically the clarinet) as well as the piano.  Charlie “met” Wanda Barnes at piano lessons when they were both children. Wanda recalls that Charlie’s piano lesson was always before hers. And while she was self-admittedly not very good, Charlie was naturally gifted. They struck up a friendship, courted and then married.

The accompanist for a myriad of Northern Kentucky churches as well as their music director, he was a member of his own gospel group—the Stringtown Gospel 5. He was as well a lifelong member since his high school days of the Cecil Young Dance Orchestra.

Charlie did not have “students.”  Instead, how he preferred to think of it, he taught only “friends.” He was a music educator of over 60 years. For 26 years, he was the band director at Lloyd High School. He also directed bands at Newport High School, Western Hills High School and Silverton Elementary. He founded the concert band at St. Henry High School.

Charlie was the beloved husband of Wanda Hill; dear dad to Ryan Hill, Amanda Combs Rector (Paul), and Benjamin Hill; stepbrother to Rick Coleman (Dianne) and brother-in-law to Gena Hill; uncle to Matthew Coleman; grandpa to William Combs (Hannah), Louis Rector, Logan Rector; as well as great-grandpa to Riley and Blake. Charlie was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and his brother Rodney Hill.

Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy Charlie leaves behind on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Charlie’s  home church, Erlanger Methodist Church, 31 Commonwealth Ave, Erlanger, KY 41018. The next day, Charlie will be celebrated Home with a funeral service at 11:00 AM (also at the church). Directly following the funeral service, Charlie will be laid to rest comfortably at Independence Cemetery, Independence, KY.  

Memorial donations may be made to either to Samaritan’s Purse or to Erlanger Methodist Church.  

For directions or to leave the family an online condolence please visit the corresponding tabs on this page (www.chambersandgrubbs.com).

Charlie’s family wish to extend a special thank you to Andy Buck for all the years of friendship and service.