Ernest “Ernie” R. Gill

Ernest “Ernie” R. Gill

June 26, 1928 - May 27, 2014

Ernest “Ernie” R. Gill was lovingly escorted home by angels at his residence Tuesday morning, May 27, 2014. He leaves behind his sweetheart of 61 years, Eileen Gill. Also remaining are his children, Randy Gill and wife LaJuana of Nashville, TN., and his daughter and son-in- law, Robin and Mark Smith of Knoxville, TN; three grandsons, Gabe and Ryan Smith and their wives, and Chris Gill. Along with the children and grandchildren, he leaves behind a beloved great-grandson Stockton Smith.

Ernie was born on June 26, 1928, one of 7 children.  He was known throughout his childhood and teen years for his amazing basketball skills and wonderful smile. He joined the air force and then married Eileen Spencer in 1953. His military service took him all over the world.  He served valiantly in the Korean War. While serving in France, he fell in love with Christ and felt a calling to serve a higher master.  After 13 years, he left the Air Force and began full- time ministry.

He has served churches in New York, Ohio, Australia, and Michigan before making Corbin, Kentucky, his home of 30 years. He proudly worked with the wonderful Christians at Shiner Church of Christ. This is where he considered home. He has touched thousands of lives through his own humble life and will be forever remembered as the preacher with the smile.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Hart Funeral Home and from 5:00 until 6:00 at Shiner Church of Christ Saturday, May 31, 2014.  Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. Saturday at Shiner Church of Christ with Mark Smith officiating.  Bro. Gill will be laid to rest in Whitley Memorial Gardens in Williamsburg at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, June 1, 2014.

Pallbearers are grandsons, Gabe Smith, Ryan Smith and Chris Gill, along with Gary Barton and Rex Mobley from Williamsburg, KY and Larry Ray from Knoxville, TN. Honorary pallbearers are his brothers in Christ from Shiner Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials  be sent  to the Shiner Church of Christ food pantry.

The D.A.V., Chapter 158, will conduct full military honors at the graveside on Sunday.

7 Comments
  • Larry Bridgesmith
    Posted at 12:18h, 29 May Reply

    Ernie has impacted literally thousands of lives and introduced the Spirit of Christ into the darkness. The lasting impact of this one “solitary life” is immeasurable and will certainly be remembered by many. It has been a blessing to have known him.

  • Betty Dunlap
    Posted at 15:45h, 29 May Reply

    Thinking of all of the family and remembering Ernie with love and wonderful memories. Ernie was so special to me and my kids, Suzanne and Scotty. What a wonderful smiling heart is now in Heaven.

    Love to all, Betty Dunlap

  • Mary Lynn Snyder
    Posted at 17:18h, 29 May Reply

    Dear Eileen and Family,

    Words seem so inadequate at a time like this so I’ll just say I pray the treasured memories of your great husband, father, grandfather and friend to all will help ease your pain of loss. Ernie was God’s gift to everyone whose path he crossed. My family and I are thankful and blessed to have known him.

    With loving memories of our own,
    Mary Lynn Snyder and Family

  • Valerie Baker
    Posted at 22:30h, 29 May Reply

    Recently I heard that a young person needs to have 4-8 faithful adults in their lives, in addition to their parents, who invest in relationship with them for their faith to take hold and mature, and not be lost when they leave home. Within seconds I could think of 8 who made a huge impact in my life before college. God did not stop there with me, but when I went to college gave me men like Ernie Gill, who helped me see what God the Loving Father looks like, and helped me make my faith my own, able to withstand what life would later bring me. I am forever grateful that God blessed me with knowing this beautiful man and his family, and I’m praying that His loving arms of comfort will be felt by all of you as you celebrate his place in your life and mourn that he is no longer with you. How glorious our hope that it’s really only “see you later” and not “good-bye”!

  • Kelly Janan-Gum
    Posted at 02:20h, 30 May Reply

    Ernie always made me feel loved and special as a young girl all throughout my teen years. His unconditional love, contagious smile, gentle words of encouragement, and warm hugs were one of the highlights of each summer for me. The loving relationship Ernie and Eileen shared is an awesome example of a Godky marriage that I aspire to have . He touched everyone he came in contact with. Look forward to being with him in eternity one day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Brenda Wyatt Meadors
    Posted at 11:02h, 30 May Reply

    There are no words that can say how much everyone loved and will miss Ernie, especially his smile & hugs!

  • Larry & Joyce Chapel
    Posted at 18:14h, 31 May Reply

    I met Ernie through Joyces parents Shelby * Bernice Asher, He Was the nicest man I have ever met,I was not a stranger to him I was one of the Family.I will always remember his gentle voice and ready smile,God Bless His family and friends .My prayers are with you.

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