Tributes

Van Garry Gill was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at the age of 69. He passed away peacefully at his residence in San Antonio, Texas. Born, December 9, 1946, in Port Neches, Texas, he was the son of Rev. Fred R. Gill and Ruth Marjorie Parham Gill. Van accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of eight and felt called to the ministry at a very early age. He preached his first sermon at the age of eleven, which, as he liked to tell the story, lasted a total of five minutes. Van graduated from Victor High School in 1965. On June 9, 1967, he married the love of his life, Sherry Linda Boazeman Gill, at Revival Temple in San Antonio, Texas. Van received his Bachelor of Theology from International Bible College in 1969 and was ordained at Kingsborough Christian Church. He went on to receive his Master of Theological Studies from Oblate School of Theology in 1986 and his Doctorate of Theology from the Institute of Theology in 2009. Van had a heart for people that was unparalleled. God opened doors for him to touch the lives of many with the grace and love God had given him for others. During his lifetime, he pastored two churches (Calvary Church in Center, Texas, and Bethany Church in San Antonio, Texas) and travelled extensively in ministry for almost 60 years. Additionally, he taught in post-secondary education for 36 years (34 of which were at International Bible College in San Antonio, Texas) with a primary focus on Old Testament studies and Hermeneutics. Early on, Van sang with the Waymark Quartet while attending International Bible College, during which time, the group travelled, as they ministered in song, and recorded some of their music. In recent years, Van was focused on mentoring those God brought in his path which took on many forms, including counseling, a weekly men’s group luncheon, leadership training, and writing. He was the author of two books, Leviticus: A Study of Holiness and Redemption Concluded: A Commentary on Revelation. Van was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Fred and Marjorie Gill, and by his brothers, Ronald Gene and Keith Allen. He is survived by his wife, Sherry L. Gill and his daughters, Rebecca L. Jackson and Christy L. Mitchell; his grandchildren, Christopher K. Mitchell, David B. (Kristen) Jackson, Hailee N. Jackson, and Savannah L. Mitchell; his brothers, the Rev. Timothy W. (Faythe) Gill, of Medora, Indiana, and Tommy T. (Ann) Gill of Boise, Idaho; a whole host of nephews and nieces whom he loved beyond measure; and his beloved adopted son in faith, Tyrone (Sharon) Christian. The graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Mission Park Burial Park North, 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, Texas, 78257. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 6:00 p.m. Friday, November, 18, 2016, at International Bible Church located at 2369 Benrus Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas, 78228. Please join the family for dinner at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the International Bible Church Mission Fund.

Tributes

Van Garry Gill

December 9, 1946 - November 9, 2016