Ronald Garrett Gill Sr.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ronald Garrett Gill Sr., 84, transitioned from this worldly plane on February 2, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends.

Ronald G. Gill was born on February 20, 1939, to the late Ella Mae Lee Rogers and Lemuel Gill in Rockport, Indiana. He was baptized in Smithfield Baptist Church at an early age. While in Rockport he attended Sumner Elementary and High School, 1st through 10th grades. In 1954 Ronald moved to Indianapolis, IN and began living with his uncle and aunt Garrett Gill and Azurlean (Rice) Gill. He then attended Crispus Attucks High School and graduated in 1957.

Ronald was employed by Kingan & Company and Hygrade Packing House from 1959-1966.  Ronald later retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1973. He served his country as an Aircraft Loadmaster in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. Ronald’s service to the U.S. Air Force gave way to his total and permanent service-connected disability. For him his military experience was memorable. He took pride in his job, flew around the world, and befriended many.

 In 1976, Ronald joined Harmony Lodge No.70, became a member of Constantine Consistory No. 25, and became a member of the Persian Temple No. 46.  He was also a member of the American Legion; the Paralyzed Veterans of America and held lifetime memberships with both the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Affairs. He has been a member of the Eastside Optimist Club since January 2, 1992. During his membership he held the position of President from October 1994 to September 1995 and was the Club Foundation Representative from October 2022 to September 2024. Ronald has been a faithful member of the Lawrence United Methodist Church for more than 25 years. 

Ronald was a master skater in his youth and much of his leisure time was spent roller skating in Anderson, Indiana. Later his interests shifted to studying horses and horse racing. He made way to regularly put in his well thought-out and recorded numbers for the Daily 3 and Daily 4. Ronald had a love for nice cars and took immaculate care of those that he owned. His inspiration to travel started while in the U.S. Air Force and continued long after his retirement as he planned for and enjoyed taking trips throughout the years with his family. 

Ronald was affectionately known as Daddy; Grandpa, Pops, Ron; Ronnie; Mr. Gill and Mr. G. by his family, friends, and neighbors. Ronnie had a charismatic personality that drew people from all walks of life to him.

Ronnie was strong-willed and he had a strength and volition that surmounted most challenges. He often said “I aint gonna worry about it”; “I don’t worry”. With a tender firmness, Ronnie took pride in passing down to his children and grandchildren the essential components of organizing, planning, and saving money to effectively navigate through life. 

 Ronald leaves to fulfill his legacy and cherish the memories of his presence; his wife Evelyn Gill of 33 years; Children: Paula Gill Rivera (Marilyn Gill, mother) and Ronald G. Gill Jr. (Marilyn Gill, mother); Siblings Wallace Lee Gill (Cindy), Linda Jane Gill Russell (Karl), Saundra Kay Rogers Bertinelli (Dan); Grandchildren Aisia Johnson, Rachael Butler Smith (Parrish Sr.), Nashaee Butler Coleman (Anthony); Ronald G. Gill III, Elano Gill; Children by marriage: Hulanda Moreland, Yvonne (Keith) Battle; Grandchildren Amber Anderson and Aaron Moreland; and numerous Great-grandchildren, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews; Friends and Acquaintances. 

 Ronald is preceded in death by his mother and father, uncle and aunt, brothers; Jerry Gill, Larry Gill, Henry Allen Hart (Esther), Thomas Gill, and sister Dianne Gill.

 You are loved, Ronald Garrett Gill Sr. 

 Job Well Done! life to him.