On November 2, 2022 humanity lost a wonderfully, kind and talented soul when Percy Kim Hill departed this world for the next.
Percy Kim was born in Middletown, Ohio on September 14, 1955 to Jessie James Hill and Ercell Bennett. A resident of Columbus, Ohio at the time of his departure, Kim was a child prodigy; a self-taught, ambidextrous musician. A perfectionist with focused determination, Kim spent countless hours devoting himself to whatever it was he intended to master and mastered everything he tried.
Though he was most popularly recognized as a rhythm and lead guitarist, other instrumental endeavors included keyboards, drums and bass guitar. As a child and as part of a family-derived band call “Little Kim and the Personelles,” Kim's talent afforded him the opportunity to audition for Berry Gordy and Motown. In his adult life, Kim's level of musicianship opened doors for him to play with the likes of The Ohio Players and The Drifters as well as having played a concert in Orlando, Florida as a guitarist for Rufus Featuring Chaka Kahn.
As an athlete, Kim excelled as the quarterback of Middletown-Madison High School's football team, leading them to numerous victories for which he earned a trophy. In addition to football, he also mastered swimming, diving and gymnastics at the local Middletown Y.M.C.A.
Ever striving to improve himself, he loved to read and enjoyed the works of such writer-philosophers as author/poet Maya Angelou. Kim loved music and had an affinity for Stevie Wonder, but at any given moment, could be found listening to any genre.
When Kim loved, he did so with his whole heart, providing glimpses of his love and appreciation for life and family.
Those who preceded Percy Kim in death include his grandparents, Tobe Bennett, Ercell Florence Brown, Percy Hill and Caroline Johnson; beloved mother, Ercell Bennett; and two older sisters, Hailita Fran Coy Weeks and Jessica Laverne Hill.
Percy Kim leaves behind his father, Jessie James Hill (age 93); oldest brother Berry Eugene Bennett and his sons, Daniel, Jeremy and Christopher; the only child of older sister Jessica Laverne, Sun Erich Hill; younger sister Sandra Florence Hale (Theodore Alexander) and their children, Jamal, Dominique and Diondra; younger sister Carolanne Benné McLean (William Anthony) and their sons William and Christopher; the children of oldest sister Hailita Fran Coy Weeks, Myron, Brona and Rhavi, along with multitude of exceptional family members who all loved him and respected his talent.
Percy Kim Hill was a once in a lifetime jewel and his presence in this world will be continually missed. May he find rest with the Lord God Almighty at the time of His coming.