The Loss of Sen. Jack Hill

Sometimes you receive news of a passing that you just don’t want to believe. I sit here with tears running down my face as I deal with the news that my longtime Georgia Senator, Sen. Jack Hill, has passed today at the age of 76.

Sen. Hill was a man who remained humble despite the powerful position he held in the Senate in dealing with the state’s budget and finances as the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The words “gentle giant” have been repeatedly used to describe him throughout the years. He always wanted to be at the back of the line or picture, never hogging the spotlight that he actually deserved.

He absolutely cared about his constituents and this state, regardless of political party, race, or background. Sen. Jack Hill responded to EVERY single phone call, email, or text that I ever sent him, often within minutes. I can tell you that is extremely rare, especially in today’s society.

While he was at just about every type of public event you could think of, he wasn’t a politician. He was a servant of the people. Even a recent surgery and caring for his wife, Mrs. Ruth Ann, only slowed him down a little. Yes, he was both a Democrat and a Republican at some point, but as his constituents have always said about him, he was simply Jack to us. He was truly a servant leader in every aspect of his life. He never seemed to be in a hurry when you had a question or an issue to bring before him.

Most people will never understand how hard Jack worked to put this state in a solid financial position. The State of Georgia had $2.5+ billion on hand as we entered into the downturn, and a lot of the credit goes to Sen. Hill. He wasn’t a rubber stamp as Chairman. He studied Georgia’s finances religiously and could explain where the money was going and why.

Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for all your efforts for me, my family, Senate District 4, and the State of Georgia. Thank you for the way you cared for Mrs. Ruth Ann, even when it became a struggle. The State of Georgia would be a much better place if there were more people like you in politics. You have left a big empty spot that can never be replaced, but we can sure aspire to try to as we seek to serve one another the way you did.

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan shared:

“Jack Hill was a true statesman, a man of overwhelming integrity, and a servant leader. For three decades Georgians have benefited from his leadership and his calm and steady hand at the helm. He exhibited all the characteristics we hope for in a leader and was a true friend to all. Jack always ensured we were good stewards of taxpayer dollars, but it was more than that, he led with kindness and clarity.

Today, we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague. May we never forget the imprint he left on our state. Brooke and I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to his wife, Ruth Ann, his family, and the constituents of Senate District 4.”

Governor Brian Kemp:

“Georgia lost a gentle giant today. Jack Hill was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I ever served with. His loss is devastating to our state, but he leaves behind an unmatched legacy of hard work and public service. Please pray for his loved ones, colleagues, and community.”

Speaker David Ralston:

“Senator Jack Hill was one of the finest public servants I have known. Quiet, studious, thorough, he exemplified the best in a leader. Senator Hill served with integrity. Georgia has lost one of its finest and I have lost a friend and a mentor. Rest In Peace, Mr. Chairman.”

Rep. Doug Collins:

“My heart is heavy this evening as I mourn the loss of my friend, Georgia Senator Jack Hill. Jack was truly the epitome of a kind, humble and gentle soul. He didn’t speak often, but when he did, everyone listened. A true statesman, Jack leaves behind a remarkable legacy of steadfast leadership and public service.

Lisa and I are praying for Jack’s wife, Ruth Ann, and his loved ones during this painful time.”

President Pro Tempore Butch Miller:

“Today, we are saddened to announce the passing of our Senate colleague and, more importantly friend, Jack Hill. There is not a member of the legislature whose life was not touched in some way by Jack. Whether it was providing insight into a budgetary need for their district, or by just being a friend to lean on, you could always count on Jack to be there. I can personally attest to the many times I sought his wisdom and how much I benefitted from his counsel. I will continue to lift up Jack’s wife Ruth Ann, his family and loved ones during this time and ask that all those lucky enough to have met him to do the same.”

Georgia Senate:

“Today, the Senate lost a true public servant in every meaning of the word, Sen. Jack Hill. Since 1991, Jack represented his home of Reidsville in the Senate and worked to make his community and his state a better place. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jack provided his insight and attention to ensuring our state’s budget was balanced and fair. This was never an easy task, and was often a thankless one, but the state of Georgia is in a better place thanks to his years of dedicated leadership. More than anything, however, Jack was a true friend to everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. His fellowship will be dearly missed by all in the legislature and his years of experience can never be replaced. The Senate will continue to lift up his family and loved ones during this time and we encourage all who had had the privilege to know him to do the same.”

Rep. Austin Scott:

“Tonight, our prayers are with the family of Georgia State Sen. Jack Hill, who passed earlier today. Jack was a good friend and former colleague in the Georgia General Assembly who tirelessly fought for Georgians from every corner of our state. He was the longest-serving member of the State Senate and a 33-year veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard. He’ll be greatly missed at the Capitol and in his hometown community of Reidsville.”