Ellis Gray Gill, 87, of Gulfport died Thursday, August 2, 2018, in Gulfport. Mr. Gill was born in Pelahatchie, MS and had been a resident of Gulfport since 1961. He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1951 -1955. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1958. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Gulfport since 1961. He retired in 1988 as an electrical engineer with Mississippi Power Company, having served 30 years of service. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, crossword puzzles, family games, and spending time at Bayou View Hardware Store.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse B. Gill and Eva Gill, sister Gay Gill Churchwell and wife Martha Holder Gill.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Lowe Gill of Gulfport; a son, Stanley G. Gill and Cathy Eagan of Pass Christian; daughter, Ann Billings and her husband Bryan of Gulfport; step-children, Pete Moran of Gulfport, Cheryl Dutruch and her husband, Andre’ of Gulfport, and Rene’ Firesheets and her husband Bill of Baton Rouge and their children and grandchildren: Cindy Chambers Gill of Gulfport; grandchildren Meredith Billings and Austin Billings of Gulfport, Jordon Gill of Atlanta, Ga and Aubrey Gill of Gulfport; nephews David Burkhalter and his wife Sharon and Dennis Burkhalter.
The family extends a special thank you to two caregivers, Ann Powell and the late Lillie Genette (Ms Genie) Price, who cared for Mr. Gill. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 12190 Highway 605, Gulfport, MS 39503.
The funeral service will be Sunday, August 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Gulfport where friends may visit one hour before the service. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.