Ray L. Gill, 86, of Abilene, Texas, died Sunday, November 23, 2014, at a local hospital in Abilene.  Graveside services held in Texas State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service followed at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Abilene, TX 79605 with Rev. Chris Turner officiating.

Ray was born March 16, 1928, to parents Lenora Maddox Gill and Audie E. Gill in Brookfield. He was raised in Olney, where he graduated from Olney Township High School. He furthered his education by attending Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma, in 1957, where he received his BA degree with a major in History, a minor in English, and a degree in Theology. Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a pastor in Waynoka, Okla., and Anthony, Kansas.

He moved to Abilene in 1976, where he opened Abilene Well, which is still in operation today. He was a member of the Cactus Lions Club, an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a private pilot for many years. Ray also enjoyed boating and RVing; reading (especially history); and researching his family genealogy.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Gill; sons, Audie Gill (Linda), and Gary Gill (Dorinda); a daughter, Cindy Burris; stepdaughter, Connie Renea Mitchell (Jerry); a brother, Jerry Wayne Gill (Gayle); three sisters, Evelyn King, Marilyn Weesner, and Marie LaBudde; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sherry Gill Howard; and a stepdaughter, Norine Freeman.

Olney Daily Mail (IL) - November 26, 2014