Harry R Gill

02/26/1943 - 04/26/2026

Harry R Gill, also known as Harry "The Bug Man" Gill passed away on the night of April 26.

Harry Roper Gill was born on February 26, 1943 in Cordele, Georgia. He was the middle son of Mr. Andrew Gill and Mrs. Mary Roper Gill. Harry was named for is mother's youngest brother, Harry Harrington Roper who died as an infant aged 2 in 1926. Harry had a younger brother Donnie whom passed in 2022 and is survived by his older brother Andrew Wade. When Harry was a year old, his parents moved the family to Albany, Georgia where the 3 brothers grew up.

When he was in the ninth grade, he attended Lyman Ward Military Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama. Harry was named Ideal Cadet in his senior year, Battalion Commander, and one of the Top Three Seniors to Remember. Harry was also an honor student for the four years he attended Lyman Ward.

On October 24, 1964, Harry married his beloved wife, Sylvia Gill. Sylvia was a much loved school teacher. They were married for 34 wonderful years until cancer took Sylvia from Harry. Harry dearly missed Sylvia.

Harry was a Police Officer for seven years with the City of Auburn. There, he was the kind of officer who knew people by name, showed up when it mattered, and carried out his duties with steady judgment and respect for everyone in the community.

After working as a police officer, Harry began working in the pest control business. Harry was highly trusted and well-loved by all of his customers. Many folks in Auburn and the larger area knew Harry from this time. Most if not all of his customers will remember him as Harry "the bug man" Gill. This is where Harry really shined. Harry was trusted by many for his consideration and care.

In 1999, Harry was very active with the Auburn United Methodist Church, where he helped to start the television ministry. He was President of the Men's Breakfast Bible Study, and Harry was on the Church Board for ten years. Harry performed several Emmaus walks with AUMC. Harry also operated the sound system in the main sanctuary for fifteen years; he installed the sound systems in the Joel McDavid classroom and the Babe McGhee classroom. Harry was devoted to God and to his Church, and you could see that devotion and dedication every day in Harry's life.

Harry is survived by his older Brother, Wade Gill of Savannah Georgia, as well as by two nieces, two grand nieces and a nephew.

There will be a small graveside service for Harry at Auburn Memorial Park on May 6th for close friends and family.

There will be a larger celebration of his life at the Auburn University Agricultural Heritage Park Pavilion ("The Red Barn") at 5 PM on Wednesday May 13. All those who knew Harry are welcome to attend and share stories and love for Harry.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.