Harold Edward Gill Sr.

Harold E. Gill Sr. December 27, 1927- January 8, 2008 WOODBURY, GA— Harold Edward Gill Sr., age 80, Meriwether Civic and Business Leader, of Woodbury, GA. died Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at Emory University Hospital. He was born December 27, 1927 in Meriwether County. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Lawhon Gill; his mother, Fannie Goolsby Gill of Molena; son and daughter in law, Harold E. "Hal" Gill Jr. and wife Kim of Snellville; daughter and son in law, Elaine Gill Swygert and husband Sam of Woodbury; and by his grandchildren, Taylor and Alyssa Gill of Snellville. He is also survived by an aunt, Jewel Rogers of Fort Pierce, FL. Mr. Gill was a lifelong member of the Woodbury Baptist Church where he served in many roles. He was elected to multiple terms as Deacon from 1952 - 2005 when he was recognized as Deacon Emeritus; he served as Chairman numerous times during this span. He also served as secretary to the Youth Department for many years, a role he loved. A 1944 graduate of Meriwether High School, Harold served as a corporal in the US Army before embarking upon his business career. He owned and operated Four Point L.P. Gas Company, Inc. in Woodbury for 37 years before selling the business in 1998. During that time he built his business from a small facility to three locations serving a ten county area. He served as President of the Georgia Propane Gas Association from 1989-1990 and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1997. Always active in community affairs, at his death he was serving on the board of directors of the Woodbury Banking Company, a post he had held for over thirty years. Harold loved his hometown, and served it well; as Mayor from 1994-1997, chairman of the Woodbury Development Authority and chairman of the Woodbury Housing Authority. In these positions he helped oversee many improvements in housing and city services, and helped Woodbury to obtain industrial development which still provides jobs to the region. As a result of his lifelong interest in education and youth, he was a founder of Flint River Academy in Woodbury and served as chairman and member of FRA's Board of Trustees. His other community activities included serving as chief of the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department and as a member for 50 years. He also served as president of the Woodbury Lions Club; member of the U.S. Small Business Administration Atlanta District Advisory Council; eight years as a board member of the Shores Club Condominium Association in Daytona Beach Shores, FL.; chairman of the Meriwether County Department of Family and Childrens Services, and as chairman of the Woodbury Youth Organization. Gill was a member of the Woodbury F&AM Lodge where he had received his 50-year service award in 2007. The funeral service will be held Friday, January 11, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Woodbury Baptist Church. The Rev. Drew Corbett and the Rev. John Talley will officiate. Interment will follow in Woodbury City Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday beginning at 5 p.m. at Smith-Steele-Meadows Funeral Home in Woodbury, (706) 553-5142. Flowers are appreciated, or if desired, contributions may be made in Harold's name to Woodbury Baptist Church, P.O. Box 717, Woodbury, GA. 30293, of The Flint River Academy Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 659, Woodbury, Georgia 30293.