Lewis Daniel Hill, Sr. also known as “Coach” and "Sugar Allah"
TIPOFF: April 11, 1965 FINAL BUZZER: February 7, 2021
Most of you simply know him as "Coach," but to his family, he was much more. He was a caring son, loving brother, amazing husband, doting dad, charismatic grandfather/Big Shug, loyal best friend, and a walking billboard of knowledge (Basketball and Life Skills). Lew was also a self-proclaimed rapper whom frequently hit 16 bars and gave you a dance show. He played a mean game of Uno, Pitty Pat, Monopoly, Connect 4, Corn Hole, backyard kick ball and was the hula hoop champ of the family! His laugh was infectious and he always had a great word, story, joke and life lesson to share. He was simply an EXTRAORDINARY human being!
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dwight and Annie Elizabeth Hill on April 11, 1965 in Clinton, North Carolina, Lew graced the world with his presence full force. Raised in "money earning" Mount Vernon, New York, Lew learned the NY streets rather quickly. Lew was an exceptional athlete from birth. He mastered every sport, from football to baseball; but, basketball is where he fell in love. He lived at the Boys Club and 4th Street Park. Every game and tournament he showed out as his mom, family and friends cheered him on. The Mount Vernon Knights had a gem and star point guard in Lew, also affectionately known as "Sugar Allah." His passion for the game led him to achieve success beyond high school ball and the city streets of Mount Vernon.
Lew was recruited by San Jacinto Junior College to begin his collegiate career in Houston. As an All-American point guard, Hill helped the Ravens to the national championship. He went on to earn All-Missouri Valley Conference accolades as a senior at Wichita State while helping lead the Shockers to a 20-10 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. He didn't stop there, he took his talents to Germany and played in the German Euro League. While in Germany he modeled and represented Wit Boy Gear during his off season.
He began his coaching career at Wichita East High School as the head coach for the JV Boys team. He enjoyed the feeling of coaching and teaching young men the game of basketball on the court and the game of life off the court. He received such joy from helping young men enjoy the game he loved so much and knew he could help them see beyond high school basketball. Lew decided he wanted more! He needed to share his passion on a bigger stage. With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wichita State, he threw his hat into the collegiate basketball world full force.
Lew’s career afforded him some amazing stops on his journey. His career progressed by moving into the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at South Alabama, Southeast Missouri State, East Carolina, Texas A&M, UNLV and Oklahoma. Each team Lew worked with held a special place in his heart. In each stop he learned valuable skills and tools for his coaching craft while pouring into each individual player, staff and community development. With each stop his passion increased and he quickly became known as a top recruiter in the business. He became a great mentor to younger coaches. He was a father figure to many of his players. He helped many players achieve their dream of playing in the NBA and over-seas. Players have remained in close contact with him, as he was more than their coach; he was a genuine, kind, supporting and loving man.
With 26 years under his collegiate coaching belt he punched his ticket to the big dance in 2016 for the first time. Lew helped coach the #2 seed Oklahoma Sooners at the Final Four in Houston. Immediately following that game, he hopped on a plane to interview for the head men's basketball coach position at The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Lew achieved his dream on his terms and in his time. Being a DivisionI1 Head Men's Basketball Coach was always the goal! Becoming a Vaquero and living in the same state with all his children was a match made in heaven. As timing and the stars aligned, being in the Valley quickly felt like the perfect fit. Being closer to Sierra, Erica and Asya filled his heart.
While enjoying the peak of his career, Lew began experiencing challenges to his health. For the past year, while many were unaware, he was battling an exceedingly rare disease. In January 2021, Lew was diagnosed with AL (light chain) amyloidosis. Amyloid light chain amyloidosis is a "protein misfolding disorder." It causes organs and tissues, including the heart, kidney, skin, stomach, small and large intestines, nerves, and liver, to thicken and eventually lose function. To learn a little more about AL (light chain) amyloidosis, click here.
Lew loved to teach young men what he learned in business and in life. His personal life experiences became teachable moments with his players and staff. To continue his vision, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you support Lew’s legacy in investing in others by donating to the Lew Hill Memorial Fund at http://give.utrgv.edu/coachlewhill.
A Celebration of Life - Coach Lew D. Hill
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Viewing – 12-1 p.m.
Service – 1 p.m.
UTRGV Fieldhouse
1201 W University
Edinburg, TX 78539
Strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place including temperature testing at the doors. Masks must be worn at all times and we request guests refrain from approaching and hugging the family at this time to maintain proper social distancing.
Lew will be lovingly remembered by his mother Annie, brother Emory, wife Franchetta Renee, son Lewis Jr., daughters Sierra (Jeremy), Erica, Asya and Elle, grandchildren Joshua, Shaniya, Johnathan, Ayden, Aria and Denim, special aunt Carlotta "Patsy", brother-n-law Gene Starks, nieces Tashae and Khloe, nephew Alex and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Peace&Love
Funeral services provided by Virgil Wilson Mortuary.
