Mr. Howard E. Gill Jr. died peacefully on Feb. 13, 2024. Born in Richmond on Sept. 5, 1933, he was the first child of the late Francis and Howard Gill.
He is survived by his sons, Dr. Howard “Mo” Elmo Gill III (Amelia), John Ashburn Gill (Susan), and Patrick McGuire Gill (Clay); 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece, Julie Messick, and two nephews, Jay Todd and Gill Todd.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Ann Wagner Gill, his second wife, Hazel Hanlon Gill, and his sister, Ann Gill Todd.
Howard grew up in Richmond. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, he attended the University of Virginia and earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies in 1956. Howard was elected to serve as the president of the student body and chairman of the Honor Committee his senior year. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.
After graduating, Howard joined the U.S. Navy. He was deployed on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and retired as lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Upon completing his military service, Howard joined Thomas Rutherford Insurance. He spent his career in the commercial insurance industry until he retired from HRH Insurance in 1998. Howard specialized in providing coverage for construction companies and was active in many professional organizations including Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Builders and Contractors Exchange, Tidewater Utility Construction, and Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors Association. His clients always respected him for his honesty and integrity.
Howard was also dedicated to his community. He was a former chairman of the Norfolk YMCA. He was a member of the board of the Barrier Islands Center and the Princess Anne Country Club. Howard was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach for 61 years and served as a church officer for 19 years. He loved the outdoors, especially the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he was a member of the Cedar Island Hunt Club.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11 a.m., in First Presbyterian Church, 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, the Barrier Islands Center, or the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at hdoliver.com
