Charles R Gillman

Surrounded by loved ones, Charles Ray Gillman (Gill) age 87, of Houston Texas passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Gill was born September 6, 1934 and grew up in Alabama. At 18 Gill volunteered for service in the U.S. Air Force and was trained in engineering at Chanute Air Force Base. He was later stationed at Bergstrom in Austin, Texas where he met a beautiful University of Texas coed and member of Omicron Pi Sorority named June Witter. The couple married and moved to Houston in order for Gill to continue his education at University of Houston. He was then employed by Lane-Wells Which later evolved into Dresser-Atlas and eventually Dresser Industries. Gill particularly enjoyed making friends all over the world as he traveled for work and later fascinated his children and nieces and nephews with stories of exotic places. Retiring after 20+ years with a multi-national corporation, Gill took advantage of his experiences and started his own companies GTI, General Trade International and King Laing Lures.

Like many Texans Gill liked to hunt and fish. He especially loved waterfowl hunting and deep-sea fishing with his children, grandchildren and other neighborhood friends of Michael and Al. He did, however, have an unusual hobby for this part of the country as he had a passion for and was skillful at ice curling. His curling team practiced at the Galleria ice-skating rink and If you asked him about his curling experience he would proudly bring out a trophy that was presented to their team members after defeating a Canadian team in Canada. Gill had a great sense of humor and never missed a holiday family gathering which always included lots of fun and delicious food. Dining out with family members - Taste of Texas for birthdays and Luby’s every Thursday was a tradition that continued for years. He was also a lifelong student of science, especially astronomy; and volunteered with Junior Achievement.

Gill was a devoted husband and a caring, generous father, grandfather and uncle. He was predeceased by his son Charles Albert Gillman (Al). He is survived by his beloved wife June W. Gillman his son Michael Strickland Gillman, daughter Sarah Anne Sanders, son-in-law Tom B. Sanders, grandsons Thomas Michael Sanders (Mike), Joshua James Sanders (Josh) and many nieces and nephews.