Humphrey Bartholomew Hills, affectionately known by family as “Boss”, was born August 7, 1946, to the late Willie and Alphradile Hills. He entered eternal rest on June 14, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa, at the age of 79. Humphrey, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, grew up in the 9th Ward and carried its spirit with him throughout his life. He was educated by Orleans Parish Schools and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. In the 1960s, Humphrey served in the United States Army as an Infantryman.

After Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Waterloo, IA where he continued to build community and share his gifts. He was a man of remarkable skill and craftsmanship, a sheet metal instructor, a talented leather worker, and an off the books auto mechanic who could fix just about anything placed in front of him. Boss was known for his wise counsel, steady presence, and unwavering commitment to making sure things were done right. He touched countless lives with his humility, compassion, and service. One of his greatest joys was living long enough to meet his great-great grandsons, Ar’mani Jordan and Amiri Michael Christian, a blessing he cherished deeply.

Humphrey is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Pamela Breckenridge Hills; two daughters: Robin Hills and Pamela Carter; two sons: Willie (Skiyy) Hills and Humphrey (Daphine) Hills II; two brothers: Tanner Hills and Warren (Mary) Hills; three sisters-in-law: Yvonne Owens (Rev. Richard Owens) of Houston, TX, Arreiae Williams of Alexandria, LA, and Lucille Hills of New Orleans, LA; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His legacy of love, wisdom, and craftsmanship will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Family and friends of the family are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Professional Funeral Services, 1449 N. Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation begins at 9:00AM with service commencing at 10:00AM. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr, Slidell, LA 70460.

Humphrey Bartholomew Hills, affectionately known by family as “Boss”, was born August 7, 1946, to the late Willie and Alphradile Hills. He entered eternal rest on June 14, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa, at the age of 79. Humphrey, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, grew up in the 9th Ward and carried its spirit with him throughout his life. He was educated by Orleans Parish Schools and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. In the 1960s, Humphrey served in the United States Army as an Infantryman.

After Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Waterloo, IA where he continued to build community and share his gifts. He was a man of remarkable skill and craftsmanship, a sheet metal instructor, a talented leather worker, and an off the books auto mechanic who could fix just about anything placed in front of him. Boss was known for his wise counsel, steady presence, and unwavering commitment to making sure things were done right. He touched countless lives with his humility, compassion, and service. One of his greatest joys was living long enough to meet his great-great grandsons, Ar’mani Jordan and Amiri Michael Christian, a blessing he cherished deeply.

Humphrey is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Pamela Breckenridge Hills; two daughters: Robin Hills and Pamela Carter; two sons: Willie (Skiyy) Hills and Humphrey (Daphine) Hills II; two brothers: Tanner Hills and Warren (Mary) Hills; three sisters-in-law: Yvonne Owens (Rev. Richard Owens) of Houston, TX, Arreiae Williams of Alexandria, LA, and Lucille Hills of New Orleans, LA; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His legacy of love, wisdom, and craftsmanship will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Family and friends of the family are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Professional Funeral Services, 1449 N. Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation begins at 9:00AM with service commencing at 10:00AM. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr, Slidell, LA 70460.

Humphrey Bartholomew Hills, affectionately known by family as “Boss”, was born August 7, 1946, to the late Willie and Alphradile Hills. He entered eternal rest on June 14, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa, at the age of 79. Humphrey, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, grew up in the 9th Ward and carried its spirit with him throughout his life. He was educated by Orleans Parish Schools and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. In the 1960s, Humphrey served in the United States Army as an Infantryman.

After Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to Waterloo, IA where he continued to build community and share his gifts. He was a man of remarkable skill and craftsmanship, a sheet metal instructor, a talented leather worker, and an off the books auto mechanic who could fix just about anything placed in front of him. Boss was known for his wise counsel, steady presence, and unwavering commitment to making sure things were done right. He touched countless lives with his humility, compassion, and service. One of his greatest joys was living long enough to meet his great-great grandsons, Ar’mani Jordan and Amiri Michael Christian, a blessing he cherished deeply.

Humphrey is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Pamela Breckenridge Hills; two daughters: Robin Hills and Pamela Carter; two sons: Willie (Skiyy) Hills and Humphrey (Daphine) Hills II; two brothers: Tanner Hills and Warren (Mary) Hills; three sisters-in-law: Yvonne Owens (Rev. Richard Owens) of Houston, TX, Arreiae Williams of Alexandria, LA, and Lucille Hills of New Orleans, LA; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His legacy of love, wisdom, and craftsmanship will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Family and friends of the family are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Professional Funeral Services, 1449 N. Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation begins at 9:00AM with service commencing at 10:00AM. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr, Slidell, LA 70460.