I've been fortunate to not lose many friends in my life. I've lost a brother, my Dad, grandparents, classmates, etc. But only a few friends. And of the friends I've lost, most were friends from long ago. That changed on December 1st, 2025.
Andrew Hill (aka Ton) was a good friend. He was part of our small group of friends who care for and take care of our friend Nick, who has battled with Parkinson's for over a decade. Most my interactions with Ton were through Nick and because of Nick. I hope you don't mind the weaving of others in these stories and recollections. That's how you know your circle of friends becomes family.
I first met Ton in early 2018 at a birthday party for the legendary (and also very humble and friendly) DJ Sandman at a now-destroyed roller rink in South Tampa. Due to his health, Nick moved back to Spring Hill, Florida after years in Tampa and I didn't see him often. When I went to Sandman's party, Nick was accompanied by this large man who was catering to Nick's every need. I had no idea who this dude was or where he came from. But it was clear from the get-go he was there for Nick. His compassion quickly squashed any suspicion.
Through Nick, I learned Ton had a huge heart. As Nick lived with Ton, Ton would open his home and be a gracious host whenever Nick wanted to have people over to watch WWE events. Ton even drove Nick to a NXT (WWE Minor League) event in 2019 in Tampa so we could all go to a show together. That was the night Ton discovered my penchant for wearing giant afro wigs to wrestling events as well as my habit for trash talking wrestlers. Ton thought it was hilarious that after a few whiny fans complained to security and wanted me thrown out for yelling at the wrestlers, security sided with me rather than the overly-sensitive fans.
Over the years, there was always an open line of communication in our circle. While some conversations inevitably covered what we were doing for Nick, we also talked about several other things, such as Ton's history in hip-hop or family or anything else. Ton was always eager to support whatever project I had going on, such as my novel or my project documenting the life of Tampa DJ Kenny K. Ton had much love for his friends and wanted them to succeed and he wanted to help.
Even as his own health started to falter, Ton would still call me and ask how he could help Nick. As Nick moved into a permanent care facility, Ton would still offer his last dollar to buy Nick food or other needed items. I would often tell Ton to focus on himself, but he insisted and continued to give. He would always talk about helping Nick. In one of our more outlandish conversations, Ton suggested we bring Nick a few adult entertainers for his birthday.
This year, Ton added to the conversation his proposed wedding with his fiance Darlene. When I told him that I am an ordained minister, Ton asked if I would wear the big afro wig and dress up like a pimp to marry them. Of course I said yes. Ton would then call me every week with another themed idea or another interesting location to host their pending nuptials. I was up for every idea he suggested. How could I refuse?
Most recently, Ton would appear in my chatrooms while I was entertaining the internet on TikTok. Whether online or in person, he continued to support me and even offered to make videos promoting my book. I'm sure they would have been hilarious.
Ton was a great dude with a great heart. We lost one of our brothers. He will be missed.
