Jesse Hill Jr. remembered

News

Funeral services for key supporter of civil rights

Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell (center) was among notables at the funeral services for Jesse Hill Jr. Dec. 21 at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church on the corner of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Drive in Atlanta. Jesse Hill Jr., a former chief executive of Atlanta Life Insurance Co. and a key supporter of civil rights, never held a public office, but he had the ear and phone number of nearly every high-ranking politician in Georgia. From Jimmy Carter to city councilmen, Hill worked behind the scenes of many political campaigns. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, a recipient of Hill's counsel, lauded the businessman, who died Monday at age 86, as an "essential leader for the transformation of the city of Atlanta."

Granddaughters Jessica Cooke Scarborough and Michelle Alexandra Kendall remember their grandfather, Jesse Hill Jr., during their reading of the Old Testament scripture.

Violinist Chelsea Sharpe performs a musical tribute during the funeral services.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was among many elected officials attending the service.

Atlanta developer and contractor Herman Russell becomes emotional while giving a tribute during the service.

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin makes remarks during the funeral service.

Christine King Farris, sister of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., talks about the assistance Jesse Hill Jr. gave to the family before and after King was assassinated.

Former U.N. ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young gives the eulogy during the funeral service.

Former U.N. ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young wipes his face as he gives the eulogy.

Former U.N. ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young gives the eulogy.

The casket leaves the church following the funeral service.

Azira Hill, widow of Jesse Hill Jr., follows the casket out of the church after the funeral.

Pallbearers load the casket into a hearse at the conclusion of the funeral service.

Jesse Hill Jr.'s widow, Azira Hill, is escorted to a limousine for the ride to the cemetery following the funeral.

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Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell (center) was among notables at the funeral services for Jesse Hill Jr. Dec. 21 at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church on the corner of Auburn Avenue and Jesse Hill Drive in Atlanta. Jesse Hill Jr., a former chief executive of Atlanta Life Insurance Co. and a key supporter of civil rights, never held a public office, but he had the ear and phone number of nearly every high-ranking politician in Georgia. From Jimmy Carter to city councilmen, Hill worked behind the scenes of many political campaigns. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, a recipient of Hill's counsel, lauded the businessman, who died Monday at age 86, as an "essential leader for the transformation of the city of Atlanta."

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