George Higdon Gills

On Tuesday December 15, 2020, George Higdon Gills, passed peacefully at the age of 87 at the home of his daughter surrounded by family.   

George was born on March 5, 1933 in Jennings, Florida to Corbet and Emma Gills who preceded him in death. He was the oldest of three children.  He served in the United States Air Force as an Air Evac Medic. During his time stationed in Mobile, Alabama in 1959 he met his late wife, Maude Sarah, and son, Eugene Jesse. George and Sarah married on April 27, 1960 and began their journey together stationed in Hawaii. Their daughter, Anita Marie, was born in September 1961.  George and Sarah were happily married for 57 years before Sarah passed in 2017. They set a great example of a Godly marriage and are reunited now in Heaven. He retired from the Air Force after serving 23 years and then went on to retire from Sears. He has been a faithful and active member of the Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene since 1972.  His greatest joy in life was being a father and “Papa” to his children and grandchildren.   

George was easily described as a people person. He would talk to anyone and make them feel welcome. He loved his church, friends and family more than anything.  While always a jokester, he could be counted on to be there when needed.  If he ever gave you a hard time, know that you were loved by George.  

George is survived by his: sister, Edna Brantley; brother, Claude and wife Frances Gills; son, Eugene Jesse and wife Belinda Ward; daughter, Anita and husband Glenn Whitt; 5 grandchildren, 2 bonus grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

George was a man of service. He served his country; he served his family; he served his late wife; he served his church; and he served his Lord. George will be forever missed and his absence will be deeply felt, but we look forward to the day when we will be reunited! 

Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 PM Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene.

Funeral Services with Military Honors will begin at 4:00 PM with Pastor Jeff Spangler officiating.

Burial will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 23, 2020 in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

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