Vaughn Gaylord Hill, 69, of Harrisburg, transitioned into eternal life on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, surrounded by family at Harrisburg Hospital.

He was born in Harrisburg to the late Lois J. (Hill) Hodge and the late Mervin J. Hodge, Sr.

The second of 6 children, Vaughn was a gifted in many areas which earned him the nickname “Wizard.” An honor graduate of Harrisburg High School Class of 1973 and lifetime member of the National Honor Society. He earned an Associate Degree in Arts for Business Administration from the Harrisburg Area Community College.

Vaughn served in the United States Army graduating with honors from the US Army Signal School in 1976. He was recognized for Distinguished Service in the Armed Forces at the Presidential inauguration of Jimmy Carter on January 20, 1977.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive,” and Vaughn lived according to this principle. He was a cheerful giver. A giver of his time, possessions, money and love. He loved his God first and foremost, his family, friends and neighbors always ready to give a helping hand for any and every need they might have. His many acts of giving included: contributing money to help with funeral expenses; cooking food for the Juneteenth Celebrations in Carlisle, PA; mentoring boys at risk and visiting the sick and hospitalized.

Always impeccably dressed, Vaughn was quite the “the man about town.” He enjoyed spending weekend mornings with his friends at the Broad Street Market and evenings at various social gatherings. Although he was teetotaler, Vaughn loved to dance and mingle with the crowd; doing many DJ shows over the years with his good friend, Red. In addition to the Harrisburg area Vaughn and Red also traveled with Diane Bedford to Chambersburg, Chester, Pittsburgh and North Carolina to perform gigs. Vaughn’s handle was the Jazzman because he played jazz music which he loved.

Vaughn was a member of the Tuesday Birthday Club, the American Legion Post 733 and DVR Entertainment.

A great conversationalist, Vaughn was never at a loss for words. His pleasant and friendly demeanor was welcoming to friends and family and put strangers at ease. His warm-54hearted smile and jovial personality and kind heart will be missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Zachary Hodge and Robert G. Hill. He leaves to mourn his passing his son, Christopher Wilkinson; his sisters, Sharyn Hill-Seffu and Sonya Hodge-Clemons; his brother, Mervin J. Hodge, Jr. (Marian) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Vaughn’s life will be at 11 AM on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Crossroads Christian Ministries, 350 N. Harrisburg Street, Oberlin, PA preceded by a viewing from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.