James Clarence Hills, Sr. was born October 14, 1959, and lived the early years of his life in Miami, Florida. The son of Clifford James Hills, Sr. and Margaret Hills, he was affectionately known as “Peanut” by his family and friends. He was a resident of Madison, Florida.

 

Preceding Clarence in death were his father, Clifford James Hills, Sr.; recently, his son and namesake, James Clarence Hills, Jr.; brother, Wilford Hills; sisters, Kennetha Hills and Marjorie Hills; aunts, Carolyn P. Hills, Barbara Jean Farmer, and Bessie Johnson; uncles, Willie C. Woods and Leroy Akins; granddaddy, W.C. Woods; nephew, Calvin Butler, Jr. and bonus father, Lawson Sutton.

 

Peanut was a people-person who shared his bright and loving spirit and his cheerful, loving heart. He never met strangers because he regarded them as friends or family that he had not met. He loved finding common interests and engaging them in conversations. Likewise, he was family oriented. He enjoyed the fun, fellowship, and food he helped to prepare and share at family gatherings. Peanut was the ultimate chef and jokester that everyone expected to bring out delicious food and fun.

 

For his personal enjoyment, Clarence loved to listen to music and to cook. His favorite fan food, without a doubt, was peanuts. He also looked for times he could travel to interesting places.

 

The Lord looked upon James Clarence Hills, Sr. with eyes of mercy because of Clarence’s broken heartedness over the death of his namesake…. for part of him went with his son, the day God took him home. Consequently, the Heavenly Father chose Saturday, February 17, 2024, for Peanut to enter eternal rest.

 

“Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay.” James Clarence “Peanut” Hills, Sr. has gone from his loved one’s sight but never from their hearts. Those who cherish his thoughtfulness and special memory are his mother: Margaret Hills Sutton; sons: Di’ Angelo D. (Dawntessa) Hills of Valdosta, GA, Clarence Hills of Miami, FL, Gary Hills of Madison, FL, and Quincy Hills of Raleigh, NC; daughter: Tanika Hills of Miami, FL;  brother: Clifford (Vera) Hills of Tampa, FL; sisters: Sable Ford and Cliffstonia Hills, both of Miami, FL, as well as Joann Hills and Lora Hills, both of Madison, FL; aunts: Helen (Willie) Brown and Claudette (Arthur) Akins, all of Tampa, FL; Dorothy Woods of Pinetta, FL, Debra Hills and Annie (Ulysses) Alexander, all of Miami, FL, and Leola Joseph of Madison; uncles: Gary Hills of Miami, FL, Johnny (Patricia) Woods of Pinetta, FL, and Willie Williams of Madison, FL;   along with countless other sorrowing relatives and comforting friends.