Billy Hill, single dad to 6, loves being a father

SANDUSKY — Ask why Billy Hill is a great dad, and you'll get six different answers. Just speak with the Sandusky resident's six children, who all gave varying, but equally loving, reasons for why he's a fantastic father: • Antoine, his 31-year-old son: "He taught me how to carry yourself outside in public. He taught me about how you not only want to be a good person but you want to be perceived as one as well." • Taylor, his 26-year-old daughter: "He actually taught me how to be a girl and then a woman. He showed me how to take care of myself (such as) how to get your nails and hair done. All that helped me gain confidence about myself." • Rayesha, his 17-year-old daughter: "He taught me how to love. He taught me how to be a hard worker. And, most importantly, he showed me how to provide for your family." • Billie, his 14-year-old daughter: "He puts others before himself and makes sure everyone is taken care of." • Javell, his 13-year-old son: "He taught me to save your money because you never know what's coming down the road." • Journee, his 5-year-old daughter: "I love him because he always buys me stuff like my Barbie Dream Camper." Hill beamed with pride, realizing his children not only listened to his lessons but followed through and incorporated them into their everyday lives. "I've always wanted to instill good values in all of my children," said Hill, a single father who works at Ventra but is also known for his community activism. "And that takes dedication. I have always been adamant about being in my kids' life and letting them know who their father is." Hill's girlfriend, Lacresha Pearson, applauds his parenting methods. "He's what I call an 'old-fashioned' father," said Pearson, who helps Hill with family responsibilities. "The house has to be clean at a certain time, and chores have to be done. But he's also a fun-loving father, who makes these (fun) little bets with the kids that, while at the same time, makes them think and also gives them advice about life." But don't think for one split second that parenting comes easy for Hill, who's persevered through many struggles in life. He went through "a battle" to gain custody of Rayesha, Billie and Javell. "They were living in a bad situation, a life-threatening one," Hill said. "Even though I was denied (custody) several times, I kept fighting for them because I wanted them to be safe and with me, and they are." And, to this day, he's still trying to overcome many hardships and heartaches revolving around the death of his seventh child. In December, Hill's son, De'Yon, was killed in a shooting incident, resulting in two individuals being charged with aggravated murder. On Tuesday, Hill attended a court hearing, wearing a shirt prominently featuring De'Yon. "It's an unimaginable pain for a father," Hill said. "No one has the right to take something from you. Only God can do that. As a man, and as a father, I feel that my community robbed me. He was very respectful. I teach all of my children, especially my sons, to hold the door open for people or, if someone is struggling with bags (at a grocery store) to help them. He did that, and I miss him so much." Sunday marks the first Father's Day for Hill without De'Yon. Hill, Pearson and his six kids will gather to reminisce about De'Yon. They'll also just celebrate life and being around one another. "We're going to plan a trip," Hill said. "We also just bought a tent and want to have a movie night soon in our backyard, playing off a projector. But, whatever we do, I'll just be happy to spend the day with my family."