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.