Search by Name

Search by Name

Walter Hill Obituary

Walter Flack Hill died Saturday, April 19, at River Oaks Retirement Manor in Lafayette, Louisiana after an extended illness. Walter was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 30, 1927 to George Walter Hill, Jr. and Gaynelle Flack Hill. He attended school in New Orleans before going to sea with the Merchant Marine in 1945. After Leaving the Merchant Marine, he enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond. He graduated from Southeastern in 1950, cum laude. It was at Southeastern that he met the one true love of his life, Sue, when they were both cast in a student production of the play "Saint Joan". They were married January 28, 1949. Walter began working in radio while in college. After college, he worked at radio stations in Hammond and Bogalusa before taking a job at WJBO radio in Baton Rouge in 1955. While at WJBO, he served as the sports director and news director covering the Louisiana legislature. Then Governor Earl Long referred to him as that "skinny red headed kid." Walter left WJBO in 1961 and went to work for WBRZ television. While there, he hosted the long running "Midday in Louisiana" show with Jean Wheeler and Gordon Louden, as well as live morning news and weather broadcasts. Walter began his sports broadcasting career by broadcasting Southeastern Louisiana College football games. He later was the press box public address announcer at L.S.U. football games where he met John Ferguson. With Walter's intro of "Here comes the Tigers!", the two men teamed to broadcast L.S.U. football for nearly twenty years. Because of the extended reach of radio stations WWL in New Orleans and KWKH in Shreveport, the broadcasts were heard throughout the mid-west and on the east coast. L.S.U. fans serving in the armed forces in the Mediterranean occasionally sent letters saying they had heard the broadcasts. Walter retired from WBRZ as Sports Director. After his retirement, Walter continued to keep busy hunting, fishing and traveling with Sue. He and Sam King, sports writer of the Advocate, routinely tried to "out-lie" each other with their fish stories. Walter prided himself on covering the story, not being the story. He was a highly skilled interviewer who had the ability to get the person being interviewed to "do the talking", whether it was Charley McClendon, Bear Bryant, Arnold Palmer or the local high school valedictorian who had just won an essay contest. Walter routinely signed off his broadcasts with "This is Walter Hill, rounding third and heading home." He was safe at home on Saturday. Walter is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Sue; by his son Mike and his wife Brenda of Lafayette, his son Steve and his wife Anita of Pineville, grandsons, Brian, Darren and Adam and granddaughter Jennifer Arnold and her husband Jonathan. Visitation is scheduled for Friday April 25 from Noon to 3:30 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a memorial service to immediately follow, conducted by Rev. Judy Sibley. At his request, Walter's body has been donated to L.S.U. Medical School. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "The Nature Conservancy, The Atchafalaya Project" or the "National Wildlife Federation."

Published by The Advocate from Apr. 21 to Apr. 25, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Hill

Not sure what to say?





On behalf of The Nature Conservancy in Louisiana, please accept our condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

May 19, 2014

Hill Family & Friends,
Along with all the other greats Walter Hill had the ability to bring the excitement and spirit of LSU and other news over the air waves into our hearts and homes. Heaven's stars are our lost loved ones watching over us. Sadly, we now have another star to gaze upon.

Jo Ann Curtis Alexander

April 28, 2014

I never met Mr Hill but he was a major part of the soundtrack of my life growing up in the 1960s. I loved listening to him and I believed in the veracity of his broadcasts. Thank you so much Mr Hill.

Paul Tullier

April 26, 2014

My prayers to your family. I have many awesome childhood memories that revolved around listening to your sports broadcasts with my family. Thank you for your work!

Patti Cunningham

April 25, 2014

It is so sad to read about one of our Baton Rouge icons to pass. We watched Mr.Hill and the other icons on the noon show.I remember them so clearly. It takes me back in time how life was so much simpler back then.I am so sorry for the Hill family that all of you have lost a truly wonderful man. My sympathy to Mrs. Hill. May God give each and everyone the strength to heal.

Kay Arrington-Howard

April 25, 2014

I met Mr and Mrs Hill after his retirement, they moved into my naborhood, we became the best of friends, shared countless moments talking, laughing,correcting the problems of the world. My Friend I will truly miss you. Sue my Sympathy and all my Love.

Lloyd Albert

April 24, 2014

My prayers are with the Hill boys and Sue who were very special to me at Howell Park Elementary School. Walter and Sue were assets to our community and school. Mike and Steve were motivated students. It was a pleasure to know this family. Walter was a very special family man as well as a dedicated professional.

Gary Rush

April 23, 2014

Dear Sue and Family, My deepest sympathies go out to all of you. The last time I saw Walter was at my husband's funeral. Bob Baltz worked at WBRZ also.

Shirley M. Baltz

April 23, 2014

Growing up in Shreveport and Dallas, I looked forward to hearing John and Walter on Saturday nights. They were a great part of the reason I attended LSU. Walter made Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium come alive for me.
My prayers go with the family. Walter, you will be missed !

Jim Nuckolls

April 23, 2014

My thoughts go out to the Hill family. When I was a child, my family watched Midday in Louisiana every day. Buckskin Bill in the morning, Walter Hill and Jean Wheeler at noon. Walter Hill is truly a Baton Rouge legend.

Sandy Dunn Kelly

April 23, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends Walter left behind. As I read the obituary and comments of others they put a smile on my face because I could just picture how exciting and how much fun everyone must have had listening to him as much fun as I'm sure he had broadcasting the games! Cherish your precious memories forever. As we are held in God's memory

April 23, 2014

Steve, what a wonderful life your father had. You look so much like him. Our prayers are with your family as he slides home.
Georgia and Dwain

April 23, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Hill was such a great person. My husband and I have often mentioned his name over the years. He had a lasting impression on us as we remembered growing up and watching him on the Midday in Louisiana show with Jean Wheeler. My mom would pick me up from school for lunch and we'd watch the show together every day. I know he will be missed by everyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Marilyn Hines

April 23, 2014

My deepest condolences to the family of a true icon. He will be missed by all.

Jack Holmes

April 22, 2014

My dad Ace Higgins was great friends with Walter and I'm sure they are having fun together again !

John Higgins

April 22, 2014

Walter Hill was a true professional broadcaster. I got to know Walter when we were both at Channel 2.(I was there from 1977-1982)We had a lot in common, New Orleans was our hometown, Southeastern alumni and a love of broadcasting. I could only walk in Walter's shadow, I never could equal him. God bless him, may he rest in peace.

Page Dew

April 22, 2014

I loved WBRZ at noon growing up. To this day, I'll call my hubby as I'm leaving the office and say, "Rounding Third and headin' Home."
May God bless you with special memories of your precious loved one.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

Dyra Culotta Hughes

April 22, 2014

I send my deepest condolences and thoughts of love to the friends and family. May the joyous memories bring you peace during this difficult occasion. I hope that you can draw consolation and solace from the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)

April 22, 2014

Miss Sue, Mike and Stephen, family and many friends of Walter...All my sympathy for the loss of a great sportscaster, man and friend. "Rounding third and heading home" will always be remembered by the scores of viewers who tuned into his sports casts. Walter's passing away brought back memories of our fishing trips to Indian Creek, float trips down the Amite River, Lake D'Arbonne, False River and here on Graveyard Island. I suppose our last trip together was here when I called him to come down from Ventress to join Mike Cook, John Heard and myself for fishing. He was here within 2 hours, boat, tackle and all -- not that any of our tackle got wet this time. We spent the better part of two days and one night rehashing old stories and enjoying each other. He was a great person. He will be missed.

Sam King

April 22, 2014

As a child back in the mid 50's, I frequented the Hill's back yard on Dougherty Dr in NBR where his two boys, Mike and Steve and I played hours on end. He was a very kind man.

Gary Galloway

April 21, 2014

To the Hill Family, my thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Mr. Hill was a household name in the Baton Rouge area for many a year. As a youngster I have fond memories watching he and Mrs. Wheeler doing the Midday in Louisiana program, it was local flavor at it's best. May the moments you shared give you comfort and peace. God Bless, Vince Giaccone

Vincent Giaccone

April 21, 2014

Mrs. Sue, Mike and Stephen, Mr. Walter Hill is a Baton Rouge Legend. I always held him in deep admiration. Rest assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers. David Blackwell, IHS '68.

David Blackwell

April 21, 2014

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Hill's name

Memorial Events
for Walter Hill

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East

11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Hill's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more