"Smitty" F. L. Hill

F. L. "Smitty" Hill Smitty Hill, 83, former football coach at Port Arthur Jefferson, San Angelo Central, Angelo State University, SFA, and New Mexico State, died peacefully Thursday evening. Born on June 26th, 1930 in El Paso Texas. Smitty Graduated from Beaumont High in 1948. He attended Lamar Tech and graduated in 1953. While at Lamar, Smitty played numerous positions and lettered five years in football. He still holds the record for a 99 yard fumble recovery and return. While at Lamar he met and married Helen McCutcheon, his wife for over 60 years. After graduating he joined the Navy and attended Officers Candidate School. During the Korean War, he was chief engineering officer on the USS Wiseman. Smitty began his coaching career at Port Arthur in 1956. He became Head Coach/AD in 1966 and enjoyed 6 successful seasons, before taking the same position at San Angelo Central in 1972. His Bobcat teams were very successful, winning 2 district titles in the legendary "Little SWC" and beating Odessa Permian 3 years in a row. In 1979 Coach Hill was Quarterback Coach for Angelo State's National Semi-Finalist Team. Smitty became a successful Real Estate Agent in San Angelo for a couple of years. In 1981 Smitty went with head coach Jim Hess, where they enjoyed 8 successful seasons. In 1990 he went with Hess to New Mexico State as Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator. Prior to 1990 NMSU had the longest losing streak in NCAA Division I. In two years they had a winning season. Smitty was a member of the AFCA and THSCA, in which he held several positions including coaching the all-star team, and chairman of the all-star selection committee. Smitty is a member of the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor, Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor and the Yellow Jacket Alumni Association Hall of Honor. In 1994 Smitty was Head Coach of the Texas Team in the Shriner's California-Texas All-Star game. He was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Port Arthur. Smitty retired and moved back to Port Arthur in 1992. He spent the next 20 years enjoying retirement by travelling, working at the church, and spending time with family and friends. Smitty is survived by his wife, Helen Hill of Port Arthur, son, David Hill of Port Arthur, and granddaughter Lacy Parker, and husband Eddy of Mabank, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Sister Lou Ann Hill of Houston, Barbara Trahan and husband, Clyde of LaMarque and sister in-law June Hill of Warren. Smitty also leaves three brothers, Vernon and wife, Severa of Carencro, LA., Richard and wife, Kim of Lumberton and Glen and wife, Kathi of Katy. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. Smitty was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur and Homer along with his sister Patsy Matthews. Visitation will be at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas on Monday, May 19, 2014 from 4-6 P.M. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.