Carey Hill, director of the Triangle Cultural Center and a local favorite, died Wednesday afternoon.
Hill was involved in a one-car accident on Grand Avenue. Emergency responders believe he may have suffered a sudden health problem that caused him to lose control of the vehicle.
Affectionally known as KK, the Yazoo City native was a local legend. From champion Kibbee cooker and talented decorator to floral expert and vivid storyteller, there will never be another quite like KK within the Yazoo community.
“The world has lost a bright light with the passing of KK Hill, said friend Susan Marquez. “I don't know of another soul who loved as much as he did and who was loved by so many.”
Proud of his Lebanese heritage, KK and his extended family are a part of Yazoo history with their humble beginnings as grocers and fish market owners. But KK took that love for the community instilled by his ancestors and developed it into his own personality.
“Sweet KK was so overflowing with love and stories and hilarious perspectives...and talent and taste and wild originality,” said friend Karen Dunaway. “I wish that every time I drove past the Triangle and waved at him, I could go back and have a long relaxed visit.”
KK had a story for everyone in town, and he was quick to tell you what made Yazoo a special place.
“I am hip deep in it,” he once said, reflecting on his family history and Yazoo as a whole.
Serving as the Triangle director since 2010, KK had a grand vision for the local landmark. With his role, he was a natural at motivating people and getting them excited about the city. He served on a number of local boards and committees. And he was in high demand outside of town for his entertaining skills and venue decoration.
“It is evident that KK touched many lives throughout the Yazoo community,” said Yazoo native Stuart Johnson. “What's more impressive is that he was known all over the state and even the country from coast to coast. His design skills were exquisite and caught the attention from the likes of Macy's Department store in NYC and even some of Ralph Lauren stores, if I'm not mistaken.”
From the Governor’s Mansion to his neighbor’s house, KK had a gift at transforming a place into something magical. Although talented, many said it was KK’s jolly personality that made what he did exciting.
“There was no greater unique individual, apt storyteller, keeper of recipes, lover of pass-a-long plants and fan of the funnily perverse than KK,” said Burnie Ramone. “He was one of our greatest oddball, intellectual assets in a state full of them.”
Growing up, Johnson said KK encouraged him as he began his own journey after college. He said he had the ability to connect with anyone.
“…that boisterous laugh that filled the room,” Johnson recalled. “And KK had the best stories or just the ways he told stories – definitely a true southern trait.”
KK was always the first to remain positive about Yazoo, even in troublesome times. He would always say it was the people that made the place so special.
“This town may not have a lot of stuff, but it does have people who will bail you out when you need help,” KK said. “From the woman in a paper hat at McDonalds to Griffin Norquist at the bank, there are some really great people here.”
But it was KK’s personal interaction with people from all walks of life that will be most remembered.
“He kept up with people on a very granular level,” said Mary Ann Kirby. “And he offered that type of one-on-one interaction with everyone. Who, these days, invests in others that way? Our pal, KK.”
“He was a great friend to so many,” said Chris Salley. “I've lost an amazing friend and Yazoo has lost a wonderful person.”
