Purvis Leon (P.L.) Gill, Jr. 85, of Victoria, Texas passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 29, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas to Arrah McCord Gill and Purvis Leon Gill, Sr. P.L. was a devoted family member and servant to his church.
P.L. came to Victoria in his youth and graduated as part of the first class from Victoria High School in 1959. It’s also where he met his bride, Betty McMullen, and they were wed in February 1961 at the First Christian Church of Victoria, Texas.
P. L. was a long-time employee at Dupont Chemical. However, his true passion was painting oil landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. He spent many hours driving the backroads of Texas, taking photographs for inspiration of that “perfect hill country” view. His other great passion was his family. Whether it was attending sporting events as his children grew up, summer family road trips, camping, or simply barbequing at home, family time was a constant throughout P.L.’s life. During his retirement years, he found ways to give back to his community. Largely focused on helping his church, and other area service organizations. He was a man of few words, but when he did have something to say, it was filled with lot of thought and purpose. He was masterful at small, random acts of kindness to those he would encounter in everyday life. Whether it was a child at church, the grocery store clerk, or just someone he randomly encountered, he took joy in bringing a smile to their faces. When asked if there was anything that he needed, his response was simply, “love and prayers”.
P.L. was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Mary Ann Gilchrist.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty; son, Gregg Gill (Lori Bruns); daughter, Monica Gill; grandsons, Rob Custer (Sarah Custer) and Walter Gill; granddaughters, Gilliann Churchill and Elena Churchill; brothers James Gill and Donald Gill.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at 11:00 am at First Christian Church, 2105 N. Ben Jordan St., Victoria, Texas 77901.
P.L.’s family wants to extend gratitude to his doctors at MD Anderson, and to Hospice of South Texas for their care and compassion.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made in P.L.’s honor to Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry, First Christian Church of Victoria, or Hospice of South Texas.
Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com
