Born: September 2, 1930 in Fort Worth, Texas; Parents: Reverend Hillary H. Gill and Elba Elizabeth Brinkley Smith.

ÂGraduated from I.M. Terrell High School in 1950; shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Hattie Lee Jenkins and married her on her birthday, November 2, 1955; from that day forward, she
affectionately became known as his “Lee Boo”! He was very passionate about “Lee Boo” looking good, being well-dressed and driving the finest of cars! (she went home to be with the Lord on his birthday, September 2, 2012)

ÂHe joined church at a very early age  and was baptized and pastored by Reverend Burton of Itasca, Texas. He later moved his membership and joined Strangers Rest Missionary Baptist Church, under Reverend R. W. West, where he worked on the Usher Board, until his health failed him.

ÂHe worked at Western Hills Hotel over 25 years, as Supervisor of Housekeeping and shortly thereafter, retired, due to a serious accidental fall, which left him partially paralyzed for the rest of his life. For over 50 years, he was loved and cared for by his wife, Hattie Lee Jenkins Gill.

ÂTurner and Hattie purchased a home in Lake Como and started their life together. Their union brought three children: Joyce, Turner, Jr. (Pete) and Jackie. As the result of his accident, he was a stay home Dad for his children, as well as, every other child, in Lake Como. His children were his passion and he was heavily involved in all of their lives. (Joyce: Band Member, National Honor Society and early graduate of Western Hills High School), (Jackie: Cheerleader and Basketball Player, graduate of Western Hills High School), (T.G.,Jr.: Basketball, Baseball and Football Player at Arlington Heights High School). He was an emotional and sentimental Father, who cheered the loudest at their successes and cried the hardest as they left for college and later married. While he was proud of them all, he was saddened by them growing up, spreading their wings and leaving the nest. All girlfriend’s and boyfriend’s of the children had to pass the Poppa Gill scrutiny of fatherly love. He loved all types of sports and was an avid fan when his children and grandchildren participated and even when they did not. Turner was known for his lively personality, friendly attitude, wisdom, comical and direct advice. He was a man who knew something about everything and everyone. He was known throughout Como as, “Poppa Gill”, and later in life, just as “Pops”. He never met a stranger and would give to anyone in need, would give his opinion when wanted and unwanted. Mr. Gill loved hard and taught life lessons harder. When around him, be prepared to laugh, cry, curse and learn.

ÂLeaves to mourn: Three children, whom he loved dearly and their spouses: Joyce Gill-Shelby (Deacon/Chairman Everett R.) of Valley View, Texas, Turner H. Gill, Jr. (Gayle) of Forest , Virginia, Dr. Jaqueline Gill-Powell (Reverend Terry) of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren, Officer Charles W. Taylor, III., Jordan Gill, Margaux Gill; two brothers, Adolpus Steward and Robert Gill; two sisters, Lillie Gill and Yvette Gill; special niece, Lapatria Rhoe-Scurlark (Philip) of Dallas, Texas; several other nieces and nephews of Houston, Texas: Elba Henderson and Connie Henderson of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Many in-laws of Houston, Texas; the Standifer Family; host of cousins, relatives and close friends. Five very special friends/family who cared and visited Pops for years: Reverend Jimmy Davis and wife, Brother Curtis “Mugs” Alexander, Reverend Larry Atkins, Mr. Allen Chick and Ms. Karen Coleman (Lester).

ÂDeceased Relatives: Wife of 56 years, Hattie Lee Jenkins; granddaughter, Victoria Gill-Washington; father, Reverend Hillary H. Gill; mother, Elba Elizabeth Brinkley Smith; sister Betty Jean Steward; brothers, Barry Hendricks and Bo Hendricks; favorite nephew, Vincent Sanders.

ÂSpecial Thanks: To the administration and entire staff of Southwest Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Fort Worth, Texas, who took care and loved Mr. Gill for the past 4-5 years.