Carlton Gill was born on Dec. 22, 1940, in Savannah and chosen by God to go to his eternal home on Feb. 18, 2019.
Carlton was known by many as a kind and gentle man with big hands and a big heart who gave the best hugs. As husband, father and papa he served, loved and provided for his family well. His life is a legacy of faithful service to his God, family, church and community, of generosity that he shared with so many and of integrity that was evident in all that he did. He was known as a man of big stature, big love, big generosity, big values and big fields to plant and harvest. He loved God’s creation and enjoyed many rides on family land, looking at and checking on birds, flowers, trees, roads and his cattle.
He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963 with a master’s degree in forestry. He played basketball for the Georgia Teacher’s College, Georgia Southern College and the University of Georgia. He served as a county commissioner of the 20th GMD for two terms, as county commissioner chairman for three terms and as the ACCG president from 1982-1983. He was employed at S.A. Allen for 37 years (1964-2001) as a procurement forester. A portion of Interstate 95 in Bryan County was dedicated to him in 1998. He served in church leadership as a deacon and elder at Compassion Christian Church. He was a member of many other civic organizations and leadership boards.
He is preceded in death by his parents Louis C. Gill Sr. and Ella H. Gill; a sister, Mary Gill; and a nephew, Freddie Bevill.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy B. Gill; daughters, Zandy Wilbanks (Mark), Carlyn Longgrear (Bo) and Heather Gill; grandsons, Tripp and Lance Longgrear; granddaughters, Maddie and Lexie Wilbanks; and many extended family members.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m Thursday, Feb. 21, at Carter Funeral Home, 10512 Ford Ave. in Richmond Hill. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Compassion Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd. in Savannah. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1 Oak Hill Road in Richmond Hill.
Remembrances may be given to Africa Development Mission, 3565 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125 or Global Servants, PO Box 740737, Orange City, FL 32774-0737.