Joel Gill has died at the age of 61. In a car wreck, I’ve read. I think I’ve drawn him in a few cartoons along the way. Can’t remember though; I don’t remember them all. But I do remember Mr. Gill (what I called him.)
He was a quiet man with a smile. I met him when he’d come to the editorial board meetings at The Clarion-Ledger and then later at the radio station. Yes, I remember his smile. The picture in the article about his untimely death shows him with that grin. He also had a deep voice and it was usually telling me not to call him Mr. Gill, but Joel. I guess I felt that he deserved a little more respect from me. He ran for Congress and Ag Commissioner unsuccessfully. He was Mayor of Pickens and seemed to enjoy that job. He was a successful businessman. And I know his family will miss him very much.
I will, too. He was one of those people who scratches the surface of your life but still saddens you when they are gone. I guess it is because I’ll never see his great smile again. Rest in Peace Mr. Gill.