A Cowboy’s Chronicle
Wayne Hill and the lasting spirit of the rodeo.
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill and courtesy of The Hill Family
In the heart of the rural South, amidst the echoes of a bygone era, stands Wayne Hill. Wayne's story is woven with the threads of dedication, resilience, and passion for the rodeo — a lifestyle that, for many, remains a relic of the rugged, rural South.
Wayne's earliest memories of rodeo date back to his adolescence. "I started riding when I was 13 years old, back in the early 1950s," he recalls, his eyes lighting up with the vividness of those formative years. The loss of his father at a young age thrust Wayne into a world where resilience and hard work were not just virtues but necessities.
"My dad died when I was six years old. My mom, my three siblings, and I stayed in a house that belonged to my uncle, R.O. Sherer. He had a farm in Oakman and needed help with the animals he raised, so my brothers and I helped him on the farm to pay the rent for the house," Wayne says. "R.O. eventually shifted his business to producing rodeos, and just living around it all kept me interested."
Spurred by a love for animals and the rural lifestyle, Wayne entered his first rodeo competition, then referred to as "Jackpots," in 1955 when he was only 15. He emerged victorious, taking home a $7 prize - a fair amount of cash at the time. This win marked the beginning of a decade-long career in rodeo riding, during which he amassed numerous accolades, including various belt buckles and a prized roping saddle awarded for his prowess as an "all-around cowboy." The saddle, which Wayne describes as "nothing fancy, but still special," is an ever-present symbol of his versatility and skill in the arena.
However, life in the rodeo is often marked by its hazards as much as its highs. A significant injury in 1970 forced Wayne to step away from riding, but his love for the rodeo never waned. Transitioning to a producer role, he and a partner launched their own venture in 1971, and by 1973, Wayne was the sole owner of his own rodeo production company.
Despite the challenges of balancing this new role with a full-time job, Wayne's passion for the rodeo remained undimmed. He produced events on his home property in Union Chapel and various other locations throughout the Southeast, drawing crowds eager to experience the excitement and camaraderie of these gatherings. "It was a lot of fun to produce. I always met a lot of new, interesting people," he says.
Behind every great man, there's often a great woman, and for Wayne, that woman is Bobby, his wife of 59 years. Bobby fondly reflects on their life in rodeo, even as she acknowledges the sacrifices it required. "I enjoyed it. I didn't work at the time; I stayed home and took care of our sons, Dennis and Billy, because they were still small. I wish we could've stayed in it longer, but we just couldn't with him working a full-time job," she says.
Bobby's admiration for Wayne's resilience and dedication is evident as she adds, "Wayne is a great man. He came from a hard upbringing, but he worked hard to make sure we had a better life."
The couple's adventures extended beyond the rodeo arena, with travels to over two dozen countries enriching their lives with experiences and memories.
Wayne's legacy is not only in the rodeos he produced or the trophies he amassed but also in the community he built and nurtured. The local rodeo community recognized Wayne's contributions at a birthday celebration in 2023, where he was honored for his service to the industry. This event, attended by friends, family, and admirers, underscored the respect and affection Wayne commands. Wayne was also recognized with the Legends Award at the 2023 Mountain Cove Rodeo Reunion in Chickamauga, Georgia, showing that his rodeo reputation far exceeds the confines of his home in Walker County, Alabama.
As the years have passed, the rodeo landscape has evolved, but Wayne's legacy remains a symbol of the enduring appeal of this quintessentially American tradition. The blend of sport, culture, and community has captivated generations. “When it comes to the rodeo industry, I think the basic concept of rodeo is the same today as it was when I was participating and producing, but what you can win has certainly increased," he says. "I still love it, and if I were still able to ride, I would. I'd rather ride a bucking horse than eat when I'm hungry!"
Wayne Hill's life in the rodeo is both a personal chronicle of triumphs and tribulations within the ring and a vibrant story that echoes the spirit of an entire region's cultural heritage. Despite the inevitable changes time brings, Wayne's experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the rodeo's timeless allure and its capacity to foster a sense of identity and belonging. 78