George Gill

Gill, Jr., George Bob, W., 93 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away at his home on February 25, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Mary; beloved daughter Linda and her husband Walter Morgan; granddaughters Jenna and Chelsea; grandsons Hunter and Ryan; and great granddaughter Roxanne. Born May 19, 1915 in Chicago, IL, Bob moved to Fort Lauderdale in1946. He started Gill Construction and built over 3,000 homes in the area. He launched his career in Florida's hospitality industry in 1948 and built several landmark hotels, including The Escape, The Jolly Roger, and the Sheraton Yankee Clipper and Trader Hotels. He played a vital role in shaping tourism in Fort Lauderdale. Bob also owned and operated the Sheraton British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. He was an active and concerned member of the community and is renowned for his generous support of many cultural and service organizations. Visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2009, 6pm-8pm, at First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. The service will be Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11am at First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, 301 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, 954-527-6800. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Bob's honor to First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale Crosspoints Fund or to the charity of your choice.