Mekiael Edward Hill departed this life on August 7, 2023, at home with his mother and father. Mekiael was born in Gary, Indiana, on December 3, 1973.

He graduated from San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino, California, and attended Valley Community College in San Bernardino. Mekiael accepted Jesus into his life at an early age and was baptized at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, California. At the time of his illness, Mekiael was living in Rancho Mission Viejo, California and was employed as a Senior Audio Technician with Best Buy.

Mekiael was a free spirit and had many jobs that revolved around installing and repairing small electronics. One of his main passions was his love and fascination with sea life; he was known for building home and commercial aquariums. He loved to be around fish and the ocean but hated seafood!  Mekiael was tall and very quiet. A gentle giant with a very big smile and a warm welcome for everyone he met, he knew no strangers.  He loved to entertain and show visitors the southern California way of life. His hobbies included dancing to hip-hop and rap music from the 80's and 90's, bowling, taking nature pictures, especially sunsets of the Pacific Ocean. Mekiael loved basketball! He coached youth basketball and happily boasted about having a few championship teams.  Mekiael was 6'5 and was a member of a basketball league that frequently traveled to Hawaii to play. He was a very big Los Angeles Lakers fan! While living in Norman, Oklahoma, Mekiael and his scout troop sold cokes for the University of Oklahoma and he became an OU Sooner fan for life, as well as a big love for America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys.  His love of basketball showed in his clothing style as he was an avid collector of designer Air Jordan and Nike sneakers and the latest sportswear.

Although separated by distance, Mekiael would never hesitate to visit and spend time with his family in Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, and Texas.

In addition to his grandparents, Henry and Octavia Moss of Gary, IN, and Earnestine Payne of Waco, TX, Mekiael was preceded in death by his son, Terry Edward Hill.

Leaving to cherish his memory are his parents Terry and Linda Payne of Fredericksburg, VA; daughter, RaeAnne N. Hill; granddaughter, Tiana Rayne Baber-Hill (Austin) both of Palmyra, VA; sister, Brandi N. Barksdale (James); nieces, Laighla N. Haskins, and Leigh Ann Barksdale all of Richmond, VA; fiancé, Angela Allision, of Rancho Mission Viejo, California; several cousins; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held at First Mt. Zion Baptist Church, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.