On September 10, 2026, we lost a truly special man after his courageous battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Dexter Audwin Hill Sr., affectionately known as “Dex,” passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, love, hard work, creativity, entrepreneurship, and service that will continue through generations.

Born July 14, 1960, in Hampton, Virginia, Dexter was the beloved son of Shirley E. Tynes Hill and Wilson “Gator” Hill Sr. He was educated in the Hampton City School system and was a proud 1978 graduate of Hampton High School.

Dexter turned his gifts into purpose. A man of great ambition, integrity, and determination, he approached his work with excellence, striving not only to serve others, but to honor the Lord through all that he did, doing his work wholeheartedly.

A gifted entrepreneur, master lawn care professional, home improvement specialist, audio engineer, audio systems technician/installer, and culinary professional. Dexter founded and owned ATU Services, LLC, building more than 30 years of business ownership through determination, vision, and an uncompromising work ethic.

But to Dexter, his work was about far more than business. He was the kind of man who would help anybody, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, show up when you called, and never think twice about lending a helping hand. If you knew Dex, you knew how big his heart was.

Through ATU Services, Dexter had a special heart for caring for the homes of widows and the elderly in his community, sometimes providing his services completely free of charge. He never did it for recognition or praise. He did it because serving others was simply who he was. With great pride and a servant’s heart, he also poured into the next generation, mentoring youth and young men, employing them, teaching them, and helping many learn how to start businesses of their own. He wanted not only to lend a helping hand, but to give others the tools, confidence, and self-belief to build something of their own.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dexter was a man of many passions. He found joy in fishing, cooking, audio engineering, listening to music, skating, bowling, and collecting butterflies. Each interest colorfully describes his personality, his creativity, curiosity, love of life, and appreciation for the things that brought people together.

His faith was also an important part of his life. Dexter was a member of Full Gospel Church of Deliverance in Newport News, Virginia, where he served in the ministry of audio engineering, video editing, and TV production. He later became a Deacon at Dunamis Christian Center in Newport News, Virginia, where he also served as the master audio

sound engineer. His faith, spiritual foundation, and wisdom were woven through every part of his life. With humility and a generous heart, Dexter freely shared the wisdom he gained, offering guidance, encouragement, and life lessons to those around him.

Above all, Dexter was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He was a family man whose love for his family could be felt by everyone around him. His family was his world, and some of his greatest joy came simply from being surrounded by the people he loved.

He leaves to cherish his memory the woman who walked beside him as his partner, confidante, and steadfast companion through every season of life, his beloved wife of 44 years, LaVoris Carol Hill and his devoted children: Donte Perry (Mariel), Jermon Hill, Dexter A. Hill Jr. (Jasmine), Terrell Hill, Leticia Richeson, Aisha Houston (John), and Charne Hill.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Demond Richeson (Nache), Josiah Hill, Mazi Galloway, Amari Kirby, Jorden Austin, Jada Houston, Eliza Perry, Seneca Gruber, Eli Gruber, and his great-grandchildren, Dominic and Nova Richeson.

He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Wilson Hill Jr. and Crystal Alexander; a host of nieces and nephews; and extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his journey.

Dexter was preceded in death by his beloved mother and guiding light, Shirley E. Tynes Hill, whose love, faith, and influence helped shape the man he became. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Matt Hill and Victor Hill, who will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

Dex leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, tenacity, generosity, and a servant’s heart. His life was a testament to perseverance, purpose, creativity, and the courage to build something meaningful, something that would outlive him and continue to bless the generations who follow.

He spent his life giving to others, showing up when people needed him and often putting the needs of others before his own. Now, as we mourn his absence, we are reminded of the love he so freely gave. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Dexter and our family throughout his battle. For every prayer, every visit, every phone call, and every act of kindness. Your love and support have meant more than words can express.

He will be deeply and immeasurably missed, and the absence of his voice, laughter, wisdom, generosity, and love will be profoundly felt by all who were blessed to know him. Though he is no longer with us, the love he gave and the lives he touched will continue to

speak for him, and the legacy he built will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Let every butterfly remind those who loved him that life, in all its beauty, continues.

Dexter “Dex” Audwin Hill Sr. was a beloved man of God.

His life was a gift.

His legacy is lasting.

His memory will be cherished and will live forever.

“Rest peacefully, Dexter. You fought a good fight. Your love, your laughter, your generosity, and the lives you touched will live on forever.”

Viewing will be held Friday, September 18, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Dunamis Christian Center, 6148 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Va. 23605. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.