Barney Abraham Gill, Jr.

Barney was born and raised in Slagle, LA in a house built from virgin pine.  He was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Leesville High School, attended Louisiana State University and eventually graduated from McNeese College in 1956 with a degree in Forestry.  In spite of his forestry degree, Barney spent his entire career in the construction industry, mostly road construction but also including contract maintenance supervision at local industries.  He loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, gardening or mowing.  The only things he loved more were his family, his church and his friends. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Gillis for over fifty years and loved serving people, using his God-given gifts.  He had a knack for putting people at ease and making them feel special.  He will be hugely missed by his family and a multitude of friends.

You might remember Barney by another name such as Cedric C. Cesspool, Boliver Shagnasty, Kelly (owner of Kelly's Pool Hall) Sonny, Uncle Sonny, B.A., Daddy, and Paw or maybe even Poopsie.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Weeks Gill and Barney Abraham Gill, Sr., his four sisters, Mildred, Wilhelmina, Gussie and Elaine, his two brothers, Milford and LeeRoy and his first grandchild, Ryan Jay Ellis. 

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Joan Harless Gill and two daughters, Melissa Gill Johnson (Steve) of Tuttle, OK and Molly Gill Ellis (Norman) of Moss Bluff, La. Barney also leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren, Michel Henson, Mary Kate Henson, Tyler Ellis, Jase Ellis, Sunni Ellis Mathews and nine exceptional great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Gillis under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.  Reverend Glenn George will officiate.  Interment will follow in Castor Baptist Church Cemetery in Slagle, LA.  Visitation will be Monday, December 3, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Gillis Vacation Bible School, 678 Topsy Road, Lake Charles, LA 70611.