Charles Edward Gill

Charles, a longtime Birmingham resident, leaves a legacy of service, faith, friendship and love of family.

He was born on August 12, 1927, in Barney, AL. He was the son of Edward Gill and Nora Thacker Gill.

He joined the U.S. Merchant Marine when he was a teenager, and was immensely proud to have served in both World War II and the Korean War. His service as a Mariner involved risking his life sailing in and out of war zones delivering food and supplies. After two tours in the Merchant Marine, he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps.

Charles traveled the world during his military service and had many adventures that he loved to recollect. He was a remarkable storyteller and the stories – whether humorous, heartfelt, or sometimes extraordinary – were captivating and memorable.

After completing military duty, Charles attended Auburn University, where he obtained a degree in industrial engineering. He went to work at U.S. Steel in Fairfield, and he had a long, successful career in plant management. He retired in 1982.

Charles was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Bettye Fletcher Gill. Their 58-year marriage was filled with love, mutual respect and unwavering support. Bettye was a gifted musician – she played piano and organ and served as choir director at several churches – and Charles took great pleasure in listening to her play. They raised their three daughters in a loving, Christian home, and shared their love of the arts with them.

Charles was a proud Freemason, a longtime Masonic lodge member, and an active member of the Knights Templar. He lived by the Masonic principles of integrity, brotherly love and charity. He believed in the importance of community service and took part in numerous civic and charitable endeavors.

Charles treasured time spent with family and friends, particularly gatherings at Panama City Beach. He also was an avid reader and loved history. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone he met feel important and valued. He made long-lasting friendships wherever he went, owing to his kindness, warmth, quick wit, and those unforgettable stories. It is often said that “Everyone who knew Charles loved him,” and those who loved him will cherish the memories he left behind.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife; sister, Edna Jeanette Gill Hudgens; nephews, Ron Phillip Hudgens and Vann Mitchell and his best friend, Farrell Gibbons.

He is survived by his brother, Maurice Gilbert, and sister, Bobbye Mitchell; daughters, Cathy Gill Resler, Mary Cook (Kim), Charlotte Gill Leffel (Spencer); grandchildren, Maegan McManus, Steven McGinley, John McGinley (Cynthia), Mairin Ashley Roepstorff (Matt), Dr. Blair McGinley, Mark Spencer Leffel, Edward Gill Leffel, Fletcher Smith Leffel; great grandchildren, Brigid, Henry, Kaylie, Isabel, Briggs, Georgia; nieces and nephew, Dawn Wade, Dr. Kyle Randal Hudgens, Lola Fran Hudgens Gurganus; Kawanna Malone, Lisa Gilbert Smith, Kimberly Anne Gilbert.

The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home for the exceptional care, kindness, grace, and love they showed Charles during his last years.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, at noon at Ridout’s Forest Hill Cemetery, 431 60th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35212; Dr. Kyle Hudgens, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home, 7054 Veterans Pkwy, Pell City, AL 35125