The pitter-patter of children’s feet and the clomping of dress shoes and high heels often make for loud disruptive noise inside the Virginia State Capitol. But for Billy O. Hill, General Assembly doorkeeper, it is a pleasurable sound that gives him a job to do.

At 7:30 a.m. each day, Hill reports to the first floor of the building, where his primary duty is to make sure lobbyists, legislators, tourists and others do not congregate on the Virginia State Seal, thus blocking the flow of foot traffic.

Though there is no significance in the seal itself, the colorful circle in the center of the hallway seems to attract groups of people.

"I’ve been doorkeeper here for 10 years," Hill said, "and it always crowded. I see to it that traffic flows through, and people don’t stop on the seal."

A native of West Virginia, Hill has lived in Richmond almost 30 years. After retiring from McGuire Veterans Hospital, he decided General Assembly work could be an interesting way to spend his spare time.

"I had to have something to do and I got the job," Hill said. "I love it. I like working with people and all the legislators are nice and friendly."

In particular, Hill said he loves talking to and helping the children who visit the Capitol. He often escorts tour groups to the chamber galleries, where children and adults alike catch a glimpse of how the General Assembly works.

Each day is about the same as another, said the longtime doorkeeper. Phrases such as "Sir, can you move away from the seal please?" or "Ma’am, you are blocking the flow of traffic," flow from Hill’s lips every few seconds.

Some occasions at the Capitol are more interesting than others.

Throughout his employment, Hill said he has met such people as Oliver North, a hero to political conservatives and 1994 candidate for U.S. Senate, and U.S. Sen. John Warner and his wife at the time, actress Elizabeth Taylor.

"Meeting Senator Warner and his wife Mrs. Taylor was very exciting," Hill said.

As for a favorite member of the General Assembly, Hill said he gives every lawmaker the same attention and respect. "I love all 140 of them, and I treat them all alike."

For other session workers and legislators, a decade of working with Hill has been a joy.

"I would call Billy a public relations man," said Delegate Riley E. Ingram, R-Hopewell. "He keeps schoolchildren in line and keeps the traffic flowing."

Ingram and Hill are both Shriners and have spent time together outside of the Capitol.

"I have been to his house, and him and his wife are just as nice as they can be," Ingram said.

Carmela Bills, legislative services secretary, works at a desk on the first floor. She said she witnesses Hill’s magic with people each day.

"He is an answer to a prayer," Bills said. "From where I sit, I used to see kids coming through and it was just a madhouse. Billy gets the kids to their tours and keeps things moving around here."

One person regularly present in the Capitol is Gov. Jim Gilmore, who had a few words about the building’s graceful doorkeeper.

"Billy just does a great job as doorkeeper," Gilmore said. "He is warm and good to people, and that’s what we need here at the Capitol."

For many in the Capitol, Hill is more than just a seasonal employee. He is a friend.

"He is wonderful and a lot of fun – he’s a big cheese," Bills said. "He has a terrific sense of humor, but at the same time he always gets the job done.

"We get a lot of letters complimenting him."

While many people come to the General Assembly to gripe and groan about, or encourage and support, certain pieces of legislation, Hill does not get caught up in the often controversial and frenetic environment at the Capitol.

A child’s smile, a quick joke or a conversation with a stranger brightens his days, he said.

"I plan on doing this until I’m 100 years old."