Rocky D. Hill

Rocky D. Hill 

1954-2023 

Rocky D. Hill was born June 17, 1954, to Frances and Kenneth Hill in Abilene, Texas. Rocky was an only child. He passed away on June 27, 2023, from complications due to pneumonia.  

After graduating from Abilene High School, he ventured out to Corsicana, Texas, for junior college and played basketball. He then transferred to Texas Tech, in Lubbock, for a few years. He then moved to Palm Desert, Calif., where he worked as a catering waiter and bartender for a local casino.  

Rocky then moved to Albuquerque to help his mother with his sick father. While in Albuquerque, he attended CNM and became a certified pharmacy technician. He was employed by Express Scripts, where he met his beloved wife, Pamela.  

From the moment he asked Pam, “How do you kiss with those braces?” he had her heart and always will. 

Rocky’s passion was playing African drums. He joined several drum circles. He was always in the lookout for a good drum. Playing his drums helped him spiritually. He looked forward to “going home” and meeting his spiritual guide, who he called “Navid.”  

He also enjoyed watching basketball, tennis and golf on television. He could be heard in the neighborhood cheering for his favorite teams. He also woke up early to watch the opening bell at the stock market. Before he fell ill, he enjoyed working out and made many friends at the gym where he was a great storyteller. People often wondered how real his facts were. His niece, Whitney, said she will miss his infectious laugh and jokes.  

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth; grandmother, Nelda Mae Moses; in-laws, Manuel and Viola Otero, Martha Otero and Rex and Georgia Kirkham; and his beloved dogs, Teema and Lilly.  

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Pamela Otero, of Los Lunas; his mother, Frances Hill, of Albuquerque; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Madalyn) Otero, Roberto (Gayla) Otero and Tim Welch; and many nieces, nephews and friends.  

Cremation has taken place with Daniels Funeral Home.  

Join the family for a celebration of life, which will take place at 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20, at Huning Ranch Park in Los Lunas.