Ray Leroy Gill

Ray L. Gill, 86, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at a local hospital in Abilene. The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St. Graveside services will be held at 9:00a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014 in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 10:00a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 S. 14th, St., Abilene, TX 79605, with Rev. Chris Turner officiating.

Ray was born on March 16, 1928 to parents, Lenora Maddox Gill and Audie E. Gill in Brookfield, Illinois. He was raised in Olney, IL where he graduated from Olney High School. He furthered his education by attending Northwestern State College in Alva, OK in 1957, where he received his BA degree with a major in History, a minor in English, and a degree in Theology. Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was also a pastor in Waynoka, OK and Anthony, Kansas.

Ray moved to Abilene in 1976 where he opened Abilene Well, which is still in operation today. He was a member of the Cactus Lions Club, an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a private pilot for many years. Ray also enjoyed boating and RVing; reading (especially History); and researching his family genealogy.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his daughter, Sherry Gill Howard; and a step-daughter, Norine Freeman. Survivors include his wife, Connie Gill; sons, Audie Gill (Linda), and Gary Gill (Dorinda); a daughter, Cindy Burris; step-daughter, Connie Renea Mitchell (Jerry); a brother, Jerry Wayne Gill (Gayle); three sisters, Evelyn King, Marilyn Weesner, and Marie LaBudde; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

You may view and sign the online guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com