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Ben Gill Obituary
Ben Tom Gill, Jr. entered into the eternal rest and peace of our Lord on September 5, 2010, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Ben was born on January 26, 1935, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his son, Roger Thomas Gill. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nellie Nadine Gill, their love enduring and growing through the years. Daughter, Cathy N. Scott, resides in San Antonio, Texas. Grandson, Jeff Thompson and granddaughter, Lisa Soles live in San Antonio. Great-granddaughters, Angel Marie Thompson and Evren Elise Thompson have been such delights to him. His mother, Helen Gill, preceded him in death. Diane Collins, daughter, lives in Utah. Ben's earliest work was selling newspapers to help support his brothers and sisters. Ben worked his way through college, graduating from Oklahoma State University and later earning a Master's degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He taught at Wilson High School in Wilson, Oklahoma before entering the U. S. Air Force in 1959, serving as system analyst and programmer at the Pentagon and various bases and teaching math at the Air Force Academy. At Edwards Air Force Base he did programming for designing of the space shuttle. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1979, he worked for Tesoro Petroleum until final retirement. Ben was gentle, kind and his true career was being with his family. Ben and Nellie frequently had their children out in nature, camping, fishing, exploring and sometimes spending nights in the dark countryside studying stars. After their children were grown, Ben and Nellie traveled the world, drawing and painting along the way. He loved playing baseball, softball, basketball, pool, and horseshoes. He got much pleasure hunting for arrowheads with his late father-in-law, Richard Freeman. Ben enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and basketball. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Universal City, Texas. He volunteered at the Universal City Library for many years. He was fantastic at woodworking making many items for the home. He wrote beautiful, heartfelt poetry and learned to play classical acoustic guitar. Ben and Nellie enjoyed country western dancing and in competition winning second against the world champions. As his Parkinson's disease progressed they switched to square dancing. When Ben could no longer be so physically active he began polishing beautiful rocks, carving and making jewelry. Nellie dedicated herself to the entire care of Ben until his health declined to the extent that she could not do all of it. Then Stella Morgan and Tosha Kinney, were lovingly helpful while young Tay Lee went to the point of spoiling her "brother, Mr. Gill". The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2010 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, with full Air Force honors. Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the Alamo Area Parkinson's Support Group. To leave condolences for the family, go to www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Gill
Mike Ballas
April 29, 2011
Dear Gill Family,
Sorry for your lost. As a testiment of lost but not forgotten, I found this site in attempt to find Roger's parents. I am a friend that even after 30 years, always wanted to find you, but didn't know how. I went to school at Texas A&M with him. I find it hard to write what I am thinking, but just know that just like Ben's recent passing, he may be gone but never gone in our thoughts. When you find this message, please do contact me at [email protected] and 713-280-1008. Take care...
Linda Kay Ables Cast
October 5, 2010
Nellie and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Ben most from our (Nellie's) class reunions. He was such a great guy to talk to and just seemed to be a member of our class anyway. We just adopted him as one of our class members and always enjoyed having him there. Love to you and your family, Kay Cast
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
September 23, 2010
Dear Gill Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
September 16, 2010
I saw your entry on Butch Bridges and wanted to offer my condolences. I know how hard it is to lose a husband as mine died 10 years ago. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Ira Wade
September 11, 2010
Mrs. Gill and family
You have my sincerest condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Though it's been almost 30 years, I have never forgotten the kindness shown to me by the two of you. I wish you all the greatest peace, and my prayers are with you.
jeremy gill
September 11, 2010
My uncle ben tom will be missed.I didn't spend much time with him,but i know when i see my dad in photos,George Gill i will see my uncle,because i think all my uncles look alike,just like my grandpa.
September 11, 2010
This is my uncle ben tom jr.,i remembered him because him and my dad,looked alot alike,which all eleven brothers and sisters did. They took that trait from their dad grandpa ben tom senior,and yes i will miss my uncle ben tom.
September 9, 2010
Nellie,
So sorry we could not attend the visitation tonight. Our hearts are with you and the family. Ben was a wonderful genleman to know. God has a beautiful place for him.
Jim and Mary Williams
Lillie Ann (Maxwell) Duncan
September 9, 2010
Nellie, Just know that you and the family are very much in our prayers. The days ahead will sometimes be hard; just remember the loving good times you had as a family together.
September 9, 2010
Nellie,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Love Barbara, Grant, Grady and Gavin.
Neil Hager
September 9, 2010
Nellie, Jackie and I were sad to hear about Ben. Our praryers are with you and your family at this time.
Steve Douglas
September 9, 2010
Nellie and Family, Ben's Ardmore High School Class of 1953 had their scheduled luncheon Tuesday and after learning of Ben's death many reminesced that he was a quiet, easy going guy, a good student and classmate and was active in sports, participating in football, basketball and track. As a memorial to him a brick paver with his name on it will be placed with others at the AHS site on Main Street near the old Tivoli Theater, where many of us hung out on Saturday nites waiting for the 'preview' to start. Ben accomplished much in his life and his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those that knew and remember him. May God bless you all. Sincerely, Steve Douglas, AHS Class of '53.
September 9, 2010
Nellie, I'm so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. May you be comforted knowing that others care and may GOD hold you and your family up at this time.
I loved the pictures. What a wonderful family and how blessed you've been to have Ben as your husband and all those wonderful memories.
With Love, Pam Tobias
September 9, 2010
Nellie, you have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will always remember Ben as a sweet, gentle person with a special sparkle in his eye and always an inspiring insight to share with our group. May God bless you and your loved ones, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Love and a hug,
Cathy and Pat Vrba
Sally McMullen
September 9, 2010
Mr. Gill was a patient of mine at Northeast Methodist, where I came to know him and his wife. It was my pleasure to have met them both.
My condolences to you, Mrs. Gill and your family. God Bless You all.
Sally McMullen
September 9, 2010
My condolences to the Gill family. I worked with Ben at Tesoro Petroleum and was a programming student of his at San Antonio College. He was always serious about his work and was always willing to help with any problems on the job. He was a good friend to many of us at Tesoro.
Samuel Brummitt, Shiloh, IL
September 8, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Nellie, and I cherish the times we've spent together. We know Ben is spending time with Jim and all the others who have gone before. I love your art and faithful emails. Call on me whenever you need anything.
Love and prayers, Jonnye Yandell
Glenn Forinash
September 8, 2010
Mrs. Gill, Cathy and Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gill was like a second father to me as I grew up with my best friend, Roger. I spent so much time in your garage (lab) in Universal City as Roger and I invented rockets, jet skateboards, canons, kites, solar barbeques and so much more. Thinking back now, all of that "stuff" we used in the garage was probably staged there by Mr. Gill - - for our fun and education. He was a wonderful man, and I will always remember him fondly.
Paul Hess
September 8, 2010
I worked with Ben for a number of years at Tesoro. I will always remember him as a kind, knowledgeable man with a good sense of humor and a rare ability to stop and smell the roses.
You have my prayers and sympathies.
Stephanie Hilbun
September 8, 2010
Nellie, I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was always such a gentle spirit. I remember how much he always loved fishing and being outdoors. He will truly be missed. You, Cathy, and Diane will, as always, remain in my prayers. Love, Stephanie
September 8, 2010
Blessings to you, Nellie, and your family during this difficult time. Know you are loved and cared for and that memories of Ben and all the good times will sustain you forward. Maren Phillips
September 8, 2010
Nellie, I am so, so, sorry for your lose. Tommy was a great man. I will always remember the good times we had with you and him. I have always thought so much of you too. It was always you, too. This is going to be so hard for you. My prayers go with you and the kids. He was a blessing to all his brothers and sisters. Everyone of them looked up to him. May God bless you. Vivian York (Jim's x-wife)
Walter and Yvonne Harding
September 8, 2010
Our condolences to you, Nellie, and to your family. May God give you peace and comfort in knowing you were always there for him.
Ken Jones
September 8, 2010
Ben Tom was our neighbor, on Hoxbar Route in Ardmore, OK. We went through high school together and nearly every day Ben would jog to and from school, past our house. It was about 5 miles each way. Always trim and physically fit he would wave as he jogged by.
Nellie, the Ardmore High School class of 1953 has fond memories of Ben Tom and we too, will miss him.
john gill
September 8, 2010
nellie, our love and prayers go out to you in the loss of tommy, he will be greatly missed. words canot express our sorrow in his loss. He was a great big brother. john and barbara gill
Cato Gill
September 7, 2010
My big brother "Tommy". You taught me many things though I was so young and you live so far away. I remember you taking me out to play golf the first time, I remember you teaching me about billiards in Wilson. I remember watching you gracefully play softball and being amazed at your talents. I aways admired and adored you. I miss you and will always remember you as my big brother, a hero to all your younger brothers and sisters. We love you Nellie and will be here for you any time you need us. Love, Jeff and all the family
Ruth Ann Bellamy
September 7, 2010
Nellie and family, I heard of Ben's death
today. I went to High School with him.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Ann Bellamy
Sylvia Moore
September 7, 2010
Nellie and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's been a long time since we have been around the Gill family. I miss those "West" family reunions so much. Our prayers are with you all at this time. Sylvia (Sissie West) Moore
Glenda Walker
September 7, 2010
I will always remember the wonderful example that my brother Ben Tom Jr. (better know to us as "Tommy") set for all of his brothers and sisters as we were children growing up. He and Nellie have had such a full life through hard work and dedication, and raised beautiful, brilliant children. My love and prayers go out to Diane and Cathy and their mother for peace and happiness.
September 7, 2010
Nellie, we are so sorry to hear that Ben died. We often remember the fun times we had together, swimming and enjoying the Air Force concerts at Trinity. Every time Bob cleans the pool he thinks of Ben sitting in his favorite corner, the place Bob refers to as "Ben's throne." And with all the leaves coming down, it's quite often. We will always see Ben in that corner of the pool. We enjoyed the evenings with you and Ben and Ben serving his homemade pecan pie. He was indeed a gentle and very intelligent person.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Lucy McBee
Judy Pope Howard
September 7, 2010
My condolences to the family. I worked with Ben for many years at Tesoro. He was such a warm and patient man and I learned much from him in my early days at Tesoro. He will be missed.
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