Owensboro funeral director John Hill has been installed as president of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky, becoming the first Owensboro funeral director to lead the statewide organization.
Hill serves as vice president, funeral director, and embalmer at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory in Owensboro and Cecil’s Funeral Home in Whitesville and is the owner of Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. He was inducted during the association’s 144th annual convention in Louisville.
The Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky represents funeral homes across the Commonwealth and advocates on issues affecting the profession, including legislation, regulations, continuing education, and disaster response.
“We are the voice of funeral homes and funeral service in the state of Kentucky,” Hill said.
Hill’s path to the presidency began eight years ago when he was nominated to serve as a district chair representing western Kentucky. From there, he advanced through several leadership positions before serving as president-elect and ultimately president.
“It’s quite an accomplishment,” Hill said.
The honor carries special significance for Hill, who is a first-generation funeral director.
“Most presidents and people who serve on these boards come from families that have been in funeral service for generations,” he said. “I’m first-generation.”
Hill said he was also motivated by the opportunity to represent Owensboro.
“There’s never been a funeral director from Owensboro who has served as president, which is astounding because there are so many great funeral directors here,” he said.
A native of Beaver Dam, Hill said his career in funeral service began while he was in high school, when he took a summer job with local funeral director Bill Danks.
“I just took a liking to it,” Hill said. “It was a calling. It was what I was meant to do.”
After attending Western Kentucky University, Hill said he realized funeral service was where his passion remained. He enrolled in mortuary school, completed his apprenticeship, and joined James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory, where he has spent the past three decades serving families.
“I’ve been there 30 years, and it’s something I’m passionate about,” Hill said. “I love serving people and serving the community.”
Hill said helping families navigate one of the most difficult moments in their lives remains the most rewarding part of the profession.
“It’s an honor to sit down with a family during the worst moment of their life and help them through it,” he said. “There’s a moment where funeral directors can truly make a difference.”
Hill said the association also plays an important role behind the scenes, helping funeral homes respond during emergencies and connecting professionals across the state.
Whether assisting communities affected by floods, tornadoes, or other disasters, Hill said funeral directors rely on relationships built through the organization.
“We put on our boots and help other funeral directors when they need us,” he said.
The installation ceremony carried personal meaning as well. Hill said one of his longtime mentors, funeral director and embalming educator Kelley Reid, died nearly a year ago. While he had always envisioned Reed helping introduce him as president, that responsibility instead fell to his daughters, Kendra and Addison.
Kendra Hill is a licensed funeral director and embalmer who has followed in her father’s footsteps.
“They did the honors of inducting me, and that was pretty special,” Hill said. “Both of those girls made me very proud to be their dad.”
As president, Hill will help lead the association’s efforts on education, advocacy, and professional development. He recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of a national advocacy conference where funeral directors discussed issues including veterans’ benefits and organ donation.
“It’s the behind-the-scenes work that most people never think about,” Hill said. “But it’s important work.”
Looking back on his career, Hill said he hopes his journey serves as an example to young people.
“These are opportunities you never think are possible,” he said. “Anything is possible, and that’s what I try to tell kids.”
