'At the Ferris wheel' Johnston City man's book dedicated to his parents' beginnings at the Williamson County Fair

For most people who reach their 80s, life is about slowing down, reflecting, and just enjoying the things that happen every day.

Richard Hill found a new career path.

The 87-year-old Johnston City resident recently published a book that reflects on his life and family.

"At the Ferris wheel" is a collection of photographs and memories about Hill's family and his own diverse experiences.

He didn't set out to publish a book.

"I talked a lot about different things to people and they would tell me that I had an interesting life," said Hill. "They said I should write a book."

Hill began jotting down memories and anecdotes, as well as collecting photographs from his past. He eventually put it all together.

"I guess you could say I came to be because of the Williamson County Fair," he said with a grin.

The book's title is a tribute to his parents, Oral and Hazel, who met while riding the Ferris wheel at the fair.

"I guess it was about 1917 when they were 12 years old," said Hill. "The ride operator kept pairing them up for rides. They became sweethearts and stayed that way to the end."

Hill's book is not only an autobiographical sketch of his own colorful life, including his career as an opera singer, but also gives a unique perspective on local history that included his family.

Like many other events in his life, getting his work published was something he stumbled on by chance.

Hill joins a group of locals every morning at the Johnston City McDonald's restaurant for coffee. It was there that he met fellow author, Gregory Dunn.

Dunn published his own book, "Laughable & Disturbing Police Reports" through Amazon.

"He started talking about his book," said Dunn. "I found it interesting."

After reading the manuscript, Dunn offered his services to help Hill get his book published.

The book is available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle.