Ray Ekins Hill was born March 21,1949 in Provo Utah to Minnie and Burrows Hill, a few minutes after his twin brother Jay.

He grew up in Orem, Utah, graduating from Orem High School in 1967.  Having a low draft number, he chose to enlist in the Air Force during the Viet Nam War. He was a jet engine mechanic, serving in Viet Nam and the Philippines.  During his service, he was exposed to agent orange and suffered a traumatic brain injury, both of which caused major health problems throughout his life.  Despite all this, he was intensely proud of being a veteran.  He loved the USA.

He later received a degree in auto body technology and made that his career for thirty-five years.  He loved cars and fixing things up, like making a barbecue grill out of old fifty-gallon barrels.

He was an avid fisherman, and especially loved spending time fishing with his mother. He also loved music, playing the saxophone, entertaining the family with various musical numbers at Christmas, and becoming “DJ Ray at the VA.”

Ray spent the last several years as a resident of the Bennion Veteran’s Care Center in Payson, Utah.   We are so grateful for the care he received.  He died on June 12, 2026, due to a combination of health challenges.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Junior.  He is survived by his brothers Larry (Kay), Jay, and Allen (Eda) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Walker Sanderson Mortuary 600 East 800 North,Orem, Utah, from 9:30-10:30 AM, followed bygraveside services at the Orem City Cemetery at 11:00.