Richard O. Gill

Richard O. Gill passed away on July 2, 2024, after an extended illness. He was Predeceased by his parents, John E. Gill II and Katie Bradley Gill and his brother, John E. Gill III. Richard was the youngest of the 4 boys and as a little boy with his red hair and freckles; he always had a mischievous grin. Richard's youthful dream was to be an airline pilot and he achieved it by starting out sweeping the hangers at a small airport in Chesterfield. Before he left there, he had learned how to take apart a jet plane engine and put it back together. After completing flight school and getting his pilot's license, Richard was a corporate pilot for James River Corporation and Freedlander Financial Services. He became a commercial pilot for Piedmont Airlines which later became US Air and worked there until his retirement due to health issues. Richard enjoyed living on the farm, cutting and splitting wood, clearing walking trails, building and fixing things. He was a skilled mechanic and carpenter. Richard’s love for God led him to Bon Air Baptist Church where he and his wife led the Adult Special Needs Ministry. The job was challenging but filled with much joy and happiness. He had a love and compassion for the needy. God blessed Richard and Ann with much and Richard in turned used it to provide a place to live, food and life’s necessities for many. 

He was a proud member of the Airline Pilots Association, The National Rifle Association and the Hull Truth boating Forum. 

Richard was a perfectionist, which was a good trait to have if you were flying planes. He had a love of animals and his last dog, named Skippy, after a childhood dog the family had when he was young, was treated like a king. Richard was a most caring and compassionate person. He will be missed. We know his last flight was to a beautiful place where the beauty of God's creations will fill his pain free days and Skippy will be by his side. 

He leaves behind his wife Ann, his son Chris, his loving daughter Hilary, and his daughter-in-law Kelly, his grandson Wyatt. Brothers David (Judy), and Steve. Special family members included Carol Gill, Kim Bracey, Tim, Hunter, Jackson, Matthew, and Harrison Gill, his sister-in-law Dale Lindsey and her son Chris, a brother-in-law L.W. Nichols and his mother-in-law Shirley Nichols.

 A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. at The Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A time of reflection and sharing will be held from 4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Richmond Animal League or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.