Tom Hill, 90, longtime publisher of The Oak Ridger and a leader in Tennessee media and Oak Ridge for more than a half century, died March 23 at his home. According to his obituary, his self-proclaimed love affair with Oak Ridge began in 1949, when the Atomic Energy Commission asked his parents to start a newspaper at the federal project in an effort to normalize the secret city.
Mr. Hill worked at The Oak Ridger during the early 1950s as a reporter, sports editor and circulation manager. He spent four years in the U.S. Army and then worked for newspapers in Florida before returning to The Oak Ridger in 1961 as business manager.
He was named publisher in 1967 and kept the job until the paper was sold in 1987. At its height, The Oak Ridger employed 50 staff members. Mr. Hill was president of the Tennessee Press Association and a board member for the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association.
Survivors include his wife, Joan O’Steen; two daughters, both of Florida; and a son in Nashville. There are six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held May 11 at 3 p.m. with a reception following until 6 at the Pollard Auditorium in Oak Ridge. Weatherford Mortuary is handling arrangements for the family.