George Watts Hill Sr.
George Watts Hill Sr. helped legions of North Carolinians safeguard their health and their wealth through extensive corporate and community work. A visionary businessman, Hill helped build the foundation on which our local economy is based. Upon graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in business and law, Hill joined his father in the family banking and insurance business. He became president of Durham Loan and Trust in 1932, and was named chairman in 1949. A decade later Hill spearheaded the merger of his family’s and several other financial institutions to form Central Carolina Bank & Trust Company. Hill also led the family’s Home Security Life Insurance Company, and in 1933, revived the Hospital Care Association. He helped orchestrate the 1968 merger
with Chapel Hill-based Hospital Savings Association to create Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The new organization was the first statewide association in the nation, and Hill was vital in the decision to locate its headquarters in Chapel Hill. He also was among the
business leaders who envisioned and executed the formation of the Research Triangle Park, and served as chairman of the Research Triangle Institute from 1959 to 1993.
In addition to creating a vibrant commercial sector, Hill was a tireless advocate within the community. He was a critical driver in the
development of the University’s healthcare campus, chairing the Medical Foundation of North Carolina. Hill also helped fund the Good Health Campaign that made the medical school a four-year institution – an event locals consider a watershed moment for the town. He helped recruit high-caliber physicians and faculty to UNC with offers to help them find homes and finance them through one of his banks.
A passionate advocate for his alma mater, Hill served as a UNC trustee from 1955 to 1981. During his tenure, the trustees oversaw the consolidation of the university system, the divestment of public utilities, and the resolution of the Speaker Ban controversy. Hill led the fund-raising for a new alumni center on the Chapel Hill campus, a building that today bears his name. And in 1993, his former Chapel Hill home, Quail Hill, was given to the University through a gift-purchase agreement to serve as the Chancellor’s residence. Hill was honored with the UNC General Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Medal in 1981, and received the 1984 North Carolina Award for Public Service. He also was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1993.
For his leadership in business and civic pursuits and his vision for our community, our University and our region, we proudly induct George Watts Hill Sr. into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
with Chapel Hill-based Hospital Savings Association to create Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The new organization was the first statewide association in the nation, and Hill was vital in the decision to locate its headquarters in Chapel Hill. He also was among the
business leaders who envisioned and executed the formation of the Research Triangle Park, and served as chairman of the Research Triangle Institute from 1959 to 1993.
In addition to creating a vibrant commercial sector, Hill was a tireless advocate within the community. He was a critical driver in the
development of the University’s healthcare campus, chairing the Medical Foundation of North Carolina. Hill also helped fund the Good Health Campaign that made the medical school a four-year institution – an event locals consider a watershed moment for the town. He helped recruit high-caliber physicians and faculty to UNC with offers to help them find homes and finance them through one of his banks.
A passionate advocate for his alma mater, Hill served as a UNC trustee from 1955 to 1981. During his tenure, the trustees oversaw the consolidation of the university system, the divestment of public utilities, and the resolution of the Speaker Ban controversy. Hill led the fund-raising for a new alumni center on the Chapel Hill campus, a building that today bears his name. And in 1993, his former Chapel Hill home, Quail Hill, was given to the University through a gift-purchase agreement to serve as the Chancellor’s residence. Hill was honored with the UNC General Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Medal in 1981, and received the 1984 North Carolina Award for Public Service. He also was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1993.
For his leadership in business and civic pursuits and his vision for our community, our University and our region, we proudly induct George Watts Hill Sr. into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.