Glen Richard “Rick” Rockhill, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Panama City, Florida on August 29, 2025. A veteran of the music industry, “Rocket Man,” as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was instrumental in developing the careers of many notable recording artists, including Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Steve Holy, Hal Ketchum, Wynonna Judd, Jo Dee Messina, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brick, Paul Davis, Sawyer Brown, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, Jerry Clower, Rodney Atkins and many more.

Rick was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 6, 1944. He started his career as an office manager for a Birmingham real estate company, but a love of music quickly led him to Nashville, where he established himself as a talented record promotions executive. Operating out of Nashville and Atlanta, Rick worked for major record labels throughout his career, including Bang Records, Capricorn Records, Curb Records, and DreamWorks Nashville. In the 1990s he was a partner at Tandem Promotions with Tari Laes. In 2024 he chose to make his home in Panama City Beach, where his brother Ron and other family members reside.

Rick touched everyone he met with his congenial personality and warm, easygoing nature. Casual meetings frequently became lifelong friendships, and he had a unique ability to make everyone around him feel special. He had an eclectic array of interests, from hiking at Radnor Lake and fly fishing to documentary films, reading and following current events. Rick loved all styles of music; long after retirement he remained keenly interested in discovering new talent, which he shared with his wide circle of friends. But his heart and driving force would always be his family, especially daughter Cayce, granddaughters Bayleigh and Savannah, and great-grandson Brooks.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Loren V. Rockhill of Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by daughter Cayce Lee Rockhill of Lovettsville, Virginia; brother Ron Rockhill and wife Gayle of Panama City Beach; lifelong friend Debra Savage, of Panama City Beach; grandchildren Loren Bayleigh Langston of Bluffton, South Carolina and Savannah McGarity of Lovettsville, Virginia; and great grandson Brooks Langston.

Rick will be greatly missed by nieces and nephews Jason Rockhill of Nashville, Chip Rockhill, Carla Rockhill and Kelly Lee, all of Panama City Beach. Also survivng are great nieces and nephews Paige, Katelyn and JR of Nashville, Laurel and Laine of Panama City Beach, and Taylor of Savannah, Tanner of Birmingham and Tristan of Panama City Beach.

He also leaves behind many longtime friends, including Wynn Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; Buffy Cooper of Nashville, Tennessee; Susan Turner of Kingston Springs, Tennessee; Lisa Zhito of Nashville, Tennessee; Kris van Dyke of Leesburg, Georgia; and Blythe Weber Cetera of Ketchum, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lowcountry Autism Foundation of Bluffton, S.C., (www.lafinc.org, 10 Pinckney Colony Road, Building 100, Suite 100, Bluffton, S.C., 29909), which was especially close to his heart.

A celebration of life is being planned for October. For updates or to share your memories of Rick, visit Rick Rockhill -- A Celebration of Life on Facebook.