David Gill Program

T HE L IFE AND L EGACY OF O UR V ERY O WN S UPERHERO …

David was born on August 4, 1949, to Ester and Frank Gill in Waldo, Arkansas. Growing up David was thought of as “The Real Deal” as he began working at a young age to help his father support their family and extended family. David graduated from Westside High School- Class of 1967. He would later go on to serve in our United States Army as a Specialist Four from May 14, 1969 to May 5, 1971, earning a signed letter of appreciation from President Richard Nixon, and an Honorable Discharge in 1975. David continued his development with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education and earned the Certification of Fire Fighter, on November 15, 1979. His spirit of empathy for others and sacrifice was highlighted in a newspaper article in 1979 for his heroic actions in saving the lives of a local family. Being the Superhero that he was, David served with Dallas Fire & Rescue for 25 years, as a Firefighter driver/engineer, and earned an EMT certification July 28, 1980. David was a faithful member of the Dallas Black Fire Fighters Association, and enjoyed their Thursday evening meetings. David concurrently worked for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for 20 years, earning several Driving Awards during the Paratransit Operator Bus Roadeo, from 1999 to 2014. His Transportation Department Efficiency Awards and Trophies have been displayed proudly in his home, while his wife remembers traveling in the cold city of Philadelphia for him to compete. David married the love of his life in 1973, who he affectionally called, “Mary Jean.” She has fond memories of their first marriage counseling session, when her Pastor said, “Y’all don’t have no more counseling because he told me the scriptures and he didn’t even have his Bible.” On December 8, 1974, Rev. Henry Bradford ordained David as a Deacon, and he served that assignment faithfully, with his last 12 years serving as the Chairman of the Deacon Board at Cornerstone Church, under the direction of Pastor Harvey B. Miller, Jr. That is a total of 51 years of commitment to the advancement of the church and assisting its members in meeting spiritual and material needs. David loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grand-father, and great grandfather. He would often recall times when one of them did something funny, said something that didn’t make sense, or made life choices without the full use of wisdom. He always had words of humor and the ability to make you laugh at your own mistakes. Through that same laughter, he had the power to coach you into understanding differently while learning to operate in fairness and with compassion. Yes, hard-core and no-nonsense definitely are ways to describe him…but he would help anyone… Physically and Financially! Superheroes inspire you not to give up in the face of adversity while helping you find your inner strength. David indeed has done that and more. He leaves a living legacy of love and fond memories with us all, particularly his wife, children, and grandchildren who will always remember him as being: Humble, Brilliant, Trustworthy, Hilarious, a Commander, Smart, Exemplary, Principled, Honorable, Reliable, Insightful, Dependable, and the Purchaser of Chic-Fil-A whenever asked. Forever Celebrating His Life and Living in his Legacy: caring and devoted wife of over 51 years, Mary Jean Gill; Loving Daughters, Jalmera (Anthony) Barber, and Bridget (Chris) Wyatt, and bonus daughter Anita A. Penn; grandchildren who Adored him, Ashton, Jordan, Haley, Hayven, and bonus grands Nadia, Nia, and Nicholas; great-grandson whom he cherished, Jrue. He will be deeply missed by his brother, Joseph (Kathy) Gill, Jr.; sister, Bobbie Jo Thomas of California; sister-in-love, Eva Smith. David also leaves a legacy of strength and love with his nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. David was a Godly man and truly loved his assignment and involvement with his Cornerstone Church Family. David was preceded in death by his parents, Ester and Frank Gill; brothers, O.C Smith, James Gill, and Samuel Gill; and sister Rebecca Gill Loudermilk.

F RIDAY , M ARCH 29, 2024|11:00 AM C ORNERSTONE C HURCH 2811 W. C AMP W ISDOM R OAD D ALLAS , T EXAS 75237 H ARVEY B. M ILLER , J R ., P ASTOR P ASTOR G LENN B OYD , O FFICIATING

P ROCESSIONAL Clergy and Family S OLO Sis. Loretta Jordan

B IBLICAL T RIBUTE Old Testament New Testament P RAYER Sis. Wilma K. Johnson R ESOLUTIONS S ONG Bro. Jesse Gist F AMILY R EFLECTIONS The Man - Ashton & Jordan Barber The Husband—Anthony Barber & Chris Wyatt

The Grandfather—Haley Wyattt & Nadia Allen-Penn The Father—Bridget Wyatt, Jalmera Barber, Anita Penn L IFE & L EGACY T RIBUTE Read Silently S OLO Pastor Glenn Boyd Greater Grace Temple Church—Dallas, TX W ORDS OF C OMFORT

Pastor Harvey B. Miller, Jr. Cornerstone Church—Dallas, TX R ECESSIONAL

David, I’m so brokenhearted right now. But I can truly say I enjoyed every bit of our 51 years together. I love and miss my husband every day. I know Heaven has gained a special person because you mean so much to me here. I promise to keep taking care of your girls and your spoiled grandchildren. I’m grateful for your life. I laugh at the memories we made together. Keep watch over me even when I shed a tear, and just know, I know you’re in a much better place. Always in my heart forever, Rest in Love, Your Wife

When you died it was the biggest shock of my life. How do I explain this to my heart? I never imagined I would lose you this soon. It’s taken every bit of my strength just to get through each day. I miss you much, but I know you are now my true guardian angel. We know you are in a better place of peace. I love you Daddy, Jalmera

I cannot believe the man, I have called Daddy for 45 years is no longer here, In my mind, I know you are in a better place, but my heart hasn’t caught up yet. Daddy, you taught me so much so – that I cannot fit it all into words right now. I hope I have made you proud and I will FOREVER CARRY YOU within my heart! I Love You Always and Forever! Loving and Missing You, Bridget

I’m the daughter you chose to love and keep when you didn’t have to. Thank you for choosing me and letting me choose you as my bonus Daddy. You accepted me every time I went into the world to “be grown” and ended up needing to come back home—your home—where my adult self could grow up. You modeled the Biblical Foundations and Principles of the church and challenged me more than any Professor--but only to make me stronger. That says love. I will continue to stand as the oldest daughter making sure all is well for Momma and my Sisters. Thankful for You! Love, Anita .

Command Sargent Major of the family. His presence commanded respect, love, family, togetherness, faith, prayer, and trust in God. These are the things David showed me in the 30+ years he’s been in my life. Never judging but always giving wisdom, and never forcing anything on you. He just led in love and by example, example, example. I love you and will miss you dearly. Ty

M Y F ATHER IN L OVE By Christopher Wyatt

Our paths crossing were destined and inevitable from above, but it would be I who would go from a stranger to your son in love. You would do for others not looking for praise, it was your character, your insight, you humor that will always be remembered until the end of days. You were a son, a brother, a husband, a father, grandfather, and even a great grandfather, but when it came to any of your babies it was never a bother. I wish that I could go back and turn back the hands of time, to hear you talk your noise while being a great example of man that you would ever find. Always demonstrating your role as the Priest, Provider, and Protector, your youngest daughter you raised and entrusted to me became our connector. A gazing stare you could give could pierce even through steel, but you also had a good heart that always tried to do God’s will. In your life, you have worn many different types of hats and been a jack of all trades, but it was you who stayed consistent and steadfast not sometime but always. If telling it like it is and having no filter was a person it would definitely be you, but there others sides to you like the caring, loving and compassionate side too. You left us many great memories with you still being our guide, and even though we can’t see you, you are still by our side. I know we can’t be selfish and have to let you get your rest, but I wish we could get more time with you in the flesh. Just like there is a beginning there is an end, you fought the good fight and one day we will see you again. I wanted to thank you again for raising a Godly woman from a little girl, the love I have for her and you definitely makes me the smartest man in the world!

Dear Papa,

As we gather here today to bid you farewell, our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for the incredible man you were. Papa, you were more than just a grandfather to us -you were our mentor, and our unwavering source of love and support. You taught us invaluable lessons, Papa,

whether they were humorous stories or profound life teachings, and we will carry them with us every step of our journey. Your love knew no bounds, and you treated us as your own children, ensuring that we never went hungry and always felt safe in your embrace. Each of us holds dear memories of the special moments we shared with you. From Jordan helping you cut the grass to Ashton, Haley, Nadia, Nia, Hayven, and Nicholas each having their own cherished experiences with you - whether it was accompanying them to appointments, practices, or being by their side through challenges. Papa, your selflessness knew no bounds. You were always there for us, no questions asked, even when it wasn't easy for you. Your unconditional love and support were a beacon of strength for us all, and we will forever be grateful for the gift of having you in our lives. As we say goodbye for now, Papa, please know that your legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support will live on in each of us. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever, and though we may no longer have you by our side, your spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every day.

With all our love, Your Grandchildren: "Slow Mo', Hood Rat, Big Lazy, Amnesia, Fashionista, Slick Nic, and Best Friend"

... AND HIS LEGACY CONTINUES

During this trying time, the presence of friends, family, and our church family has helped sustain us. Your prayers and words of concern have encouraged our sad hearts. Thank you for the food, phone calls, and visits, as they have been a blessing to our family. - The Family of David Gill A CTIVE P ALLBEARERS

Patrick Smith Keith Smith Kenny Smith Otis Smith, Jr. Shawn Smith Kevin Smith Winfred Smith Justin Smith H ONORARY P ALLBEARERS Ashton Barber Anthony Barber Jordan Barber Chris Wyatt Nicholas Penn Joseph Gill, Sr. LaQuincy Loudermilk Joseph Gill, Jr.

E ARTHLY R ESTING P LACE Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. Dallas, Texas 75211

—F INAL A RRANGEMENTS E NTRUSTED TO —

John Beckwith Jr. - CEO & Owner Dallas, Texas |(214) 941-7332

Fort Worth, Texas |(817) 478-9555 Tallulah, Louisiana | (318) 574-6100 www.goldengatefuneralhome.com “Where Service Begins and Never Ends”