Elisha Perry

Hill III

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (II Corinthians, 5:8)

Elisha Perry Hill, III, age 75, of Waverly, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on September 25, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on October 27, 1950, in Southampton County, VA to the late Elisha Perry Hill Jr. and Mildred Sheridan Hill. He attended Sussex County Public Schools and participated in the U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps program for several years as a young adult.

Perry was a master chauffeur and CDL truck driver for 40+ years driving for multiple companies in the area, i.e., Higgins Trucking, Carroll Foods, Smithfield Trucking, and Billy Knicht Trucking Companies. He loved his “Rig” and drove continuously across the highways until his health began to decline. He unselfishly shared his driving gift with others, to include his protégé Carlton Langford, Jr. (CL) whom he loved as a son, by mentoring and teaching them how to handle big Rigs and how to master the rules of the road in good and bad weather conditions.

Perry was a faithful and dedicated member of Mars Hill AME Zion Church. He served as the Pastor’s Aide and supported other activities in the church as needed. He was always willing to support any task to assist with spreading the gospel, encouraging others, and uplifting the community and the body of Christ.

Perry had a quiet and meek demeanor, but a strong and bold presence. No matter what he was going through or when you saw him, he always had a smile on his face and an infectious laugh that uplifted the spirits of those around him. He will be missed by all who truly knew him.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents, his loving and devoted wife, Christine G. Hill, daughter, Valerie Hill, and sister, Diana E. Jones.

Perry leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Stephanie Gray of Richmond, VA; two grandchildren, Tia A. Gray (Vince) of Glen Allen, VA and Mandel S. Gray of Fort Hood, TX (U.S. Army); eight siblings, Patricia C. Hill, Gracie B. Hill, Edward J. Hill, Reginial F. Hill (Janice) of Wakefield, VA, Deacon Margie D. Smith (Charles) of Waverly, VA, Mildred O. Taylor (Wilson Sr.) of Petersburg, VA, Pastor Joseph L. Hill (Pastor Debra) of Suffolk, VA and Constance S. Jones of Upper Marlboro, MD; one sister-in-law, Rosa L. Gay of Wakefield, VA, three brothers-in-law, William Gay, Jr. and Donald L. Gay of Wakefield, VA, and Melvin E. Gay of Bristol, VA; 22 nieces and nephews, 42 great nieces and nephews, and 26 great, great nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, and friends.

Public Viewing will be 10:00am-6:00pm Friday, October 2, 2026 at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia 23890.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 3:00pm Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mars Hill AME Zion, 111 Williams Lane, Wakefield, Virginia 23888.

Please keep the Family uplifted in prayer during their time of bereavement.