David Lynn Gill

David Lynn Gill, 80, of Milano, passed away peacefully Monday, November 25, 2024 in a Temple hospital. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 29 at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron, followed by the funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Burial service will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Cameron.
David was born August 13, 1944 in Cameron, Texas. He graduated from C.H. Yoe High School in 1962
He would go on to enlist in the United States Air Force and serve his country for over 20 years. Four of those years as a Digital Flight Simulator Specialist and fifteen and-a-half years as a Precision Measuring Equipment Superintendent. His Air Force service began at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, and included tours in Colorado; California; Misawa AB in Japan; Shreveport, La; Thailand; Washington, DC; S.H.A.P.E. at Casteau, Mons, Belgium; Abilene, and finally, back at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport. He retired as a Master Sergeant(E7) In 1982.
His awards include: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, National Defense Services Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters.
After his USAF retirement, he worked for the oceanography department at Texas A&M University maintaining their equipment. Then in 1985, he began his career with TU Electric, retiring for the second time in 2005. He was a hard worker and provided for his family with love and dedication.
David enjoyed being outside. He raised a garden for many years that yielded plenty of vegetables and berries for anyone he could find to share them with. He also raised peaches in his small orchard out behind the garden. You would often catch him out driving his "mule" to check the cows, check on Tom across the road, or have coffee with "the cousins".
He was a quiet servant to others. Many people didn't know that he became a Licensed Electrician in order to be able to provide minor electrical repairs for the elderly in his church. He gave them his "business" card that stated: David's Handyman Service – "I can work on anything and fix most of it!" He also served for 10 years on the Rice Cemetery Association, where his maternal grandparents were buried. He drove the church bus to pick up children for Sunday School and VBS, carry the youth to summer camp, and to take the "seniors" on their trips, even after he was a "senior" himself.
Most importantly, he loved the Lord. As a teenager, David accepted Christ as his Savior, and he made sure his family knew Jesus, too. He was ordained as a Deacon at the International Baptist Church in Jurbise, Belgium; then continued serving as a deacon at Ridgemont Baptist Church in Abilene, and at First Baptist Church Cameron. He was a member of Milano First Baptist Church at the time of his passing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady Patrick and Virgie Amelia (McFarland) Gill; one sister, Bonnie Burnett; his brother, Grady Thomas Gill; and one brother-in-law, I.T. Gilbert; parents-in-law, Clarence and Iva Mae Davenport, Sr.
David leaves behind a wife of 61 years, Carol Gill; two daughters, Nerissa Valenta and husband Donald of Milano, and Sheri Martin and husband Todd of Mason. Also left to cherish his memory are his six grandchildren: Erica Harnisch and husband Kevin of Rhome, Andie Campbell and husband Joshua of Georgetown, Amy Simpson and husband Marshall of Woodway, Abby Valenta of Waco and her fiancé Cody Carroll of Corsicana, Nicholas Martin of Lubbock, and Lucas Martin of Amarillo; five Great grandchildren: Jonas, Adelaide, Emmie, Finnegan and Maggie Campbell; one sister, Pat Gilbert of Cameron; two brothers-in-law, Henry Burnett of Cameron, and Clarence Davenport, Jr. and wife Joan of Milano; three sisters-in-law, Pat Gill of Milano, Janet Hirt of Salado, and Debbie Maxey and husband Jeff of Stephenville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honorary Pall Bearers are: his nephews, Ronnie Gilbert, Mark Burnett, Grady Don Gill, Troy Gill, Alan Gill; and dear friend Tom Gary.
Memorials may be made to the Milano First Baptist Church.