Dr. John Claude Gill

DR. JOHN CLAUDE GILL, age 89, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully in his home on February 4, 2019. John was born in Memphis, Tenn. He graduated from Forrest City High School in 1947 and earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Arkansas. Gill entered the Air Force in 1948, flying numerous missions, primarily piloting B47s and B29s. He served in 8 major commands, including the Strategic Air Command as a command reconnaissance pilot and for the NATO school in Oberammergau, Germany as Director of Academic Programs and Lecturer. He achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1974, he was an administrator for five years at Cabot High School. He was employed with Arkansas Department of Education for 8 years and then the next 8 years as Superintendent of the Lower Yukon and Nenana School Districts in Alaska. John, a Christian, was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, served as AARP Leadership Volunteer for Advocacy, an instructor in the Mature Driving Course, and taught groups at The Sheppard Center. He was a 32nd Shriner in the Scimitar Temple and President of the England-Keo Hunting Club. John loved his family, flying, and hunting. He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Carolyn Bridges Gill. He loved his 4 children, John H. (predeceased in 2005) of Beavercreek, Ohio, Gregory B. of Paris, Texas, Mark. A. of Bartlett, Tenn., and Melissa Gill Galliani of Novato, Calif. His beloved grandchildren are Kristin Gill Smith, Lyndsey Gill, Marko Gill, Ryan Gill, Alex Gill, Rachel Galliani, Claudia Galliani, and Thomas Gill. Visitation (10 a.m.) and service (11 a.m.) will be held on Monday, February 11th, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. (501-661-9111). A military burial will be held 1 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Ark. 72120. A reception for family and friends will follow. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. John will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and associates. www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.