Byron Ashley Gill, 71, of the Gage Community passed away peacefully at his home at 5:12 pm Monday , April 13, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 17, 1943 in LaCenter, KY to the late Horace and Ruby Piper Gill and grew up near Wickliffe. Byron received the gift of salvation as a young man and became a member of Wickliffe First Christian Church, and later attended Maxon Christian Church in West Paducah. He served with the Illinois National Guard from 1965 to 1971. Byron worked as a lineman and a cable splicer for BellSouth and retired after 32 years of service. He was a member of Telecommunications Workers of America, a life member of Telephone Pioneers of America and a life member of the National Rifleman Association.
Known by anyone under the age of 12 as “ Uncle Barney,” he endeared himself to his nieces and nephews, as well as countless youngsters, friends, neighbors, and co-workers throughout his life. Byron is remembered by others as a man of his word who never failed to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
His love and knowledge of the outdoors began as a young boy hunting all types of small game and wildlife. In his later years he especially enjoyed bow-hunting, raising fish, frogs, and growing fruit and nut trees. He was blessed with a knack for ingenuity and was self-taught in numerous trades and electronics. Gardening was his favorite pastime, and sharing his crops with others gave him much pleasure. Byron loved the pleasure of the simple life and always took the time to show his appreciation of others.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy; two sisters, Ellen Kelley and husband Kenneth of West Paducah, and Nancy Gill and special friend Wayne Gibby of West Paducah; one brother, Joey Gill and wife Cynthia of Gage; three nephews, Brad Kelley and wife Sheri of Independence, MO, Jordan Gill of Waynesville, NC, and Chris Halteman and wife Kristy of Wickliffe; two nieces, Lana Estes and husband Tony of Paducah, and Amanda Gill of Lexington; one great nephew, Duncan Tindle-Kelley; two great nieces, Ruby Tindle-Kelley, and Gemma Rose Halteman. Also surviving are two aunts, Doris Gill of Wickliffe and Lue Spencer of Paducah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, and one sister-in-law. His grandparents were Fred and Mary Etta Martin Gill and George and Margaret Ellen Womble Piper.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe, with Bro. Billy Harrison and Bro. Billy Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in the Wickliffe City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to BoysTown, 200 Flanagan Blvd. BoysTown, NE 68010 ( BoysTown.org) or to any other charity or veterans organization.
You may leave a message, light a candle or share a son tribute for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
