Gerald Allen McGill, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on February 2, 2022 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, following a short illness. He was 78.
Gerald was born on June 11, 1943 in Pensacola, the first of four children born to Wilbur and Emogine McGill. As a self-described “Air Force Brat,” Gerald had the privilege of growing up in many different locations around the United States and abroad, including Japan, the UK, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Maine, Florida, and Massachusetts. After high school, Gerald received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy, from which he graduated in 1965 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
In 1967, Gerald volunteered for a tour of duty in Vietnam. As the Commanding Officer of the Point Welcome, an 82-foot Point-Class Coast Guard Cutter, Gerald participated in Operation Market Time, and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his service to his country. He was honored to be selected for placement on the Wall of Gallantry at the United States Coast Guard Academy. As a lifelong advocate for the Coast Guard, he treasured his friendships with his band of brothers.
Upon returning from the war, Gerald attended Catholic University Law School in Washington D.C. where, in 1969, he met the love of his life, fellow law student Maureen Logue. They married in 1971 and moved to Pensacola in 1977, where they would go on two raise their two daughters, Erin and Stephanie. Gerald enjoyed a very successful career as an attorney, becoming well-respected throughout the Gulf Coast as an expert on admiralty and maritime law.
Gerald will be remembered as a gifted storyteller and as someone who never met a stranger. He was always eager to help anyone in need, and he was known for keeping a cool head in a crisis. His motto was, “five minutes early is on time; on time is late.” His faith was foundational, and his life was the embodiment of Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”
Gerald is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maureen, his daughters Erin McGill Nobles and Stephanie McGill Sudduth, his grandsons, Logan and Luke Glover, Landen Sudduth, and Liam Nobles, as well as his granddaughter, Madeline Nobles. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Emogine (Brown) McGill, his beloved younger brother Harry, and his granddaughter, Delia Grace Nobles.
A visitation for Gerald will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, February 11, 2022 at 900am at Christ Episcopal Church with burial to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, or the Wounded Warrior Project.
A visitation and reception for Gerald will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 18 W. Wright St, Pensacola, FL 32501. A graveside service will occur Friday, February 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL 32508.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the McGill family.
