Today’s hospital visit marked the end of a very difficult month for my dad. And also the end of a life that extended far past what any of us ever thought was possible for someone who was dealt such a rough hand at an early age.
Heart disease and diabetes is a rough combo.
After his latest heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery, we were hopeful when things began slowly trending in the right direction. But after 11 days of fighting, his body just couldn’t sustain it any longer. In the end, we honored his wishes to let him go.
If I could’ve told his younger self that he would live for 72 years before he died peacefully surrounded by family, I know he would’ve been both surprised and so very happy.
Thanks to everyone for checking in with us and keeping him in your thoughts through this ride. It was very helpful and I’m sure he could feel it.
He opted for cremation and there is no funeral home involved. He apparently had some pretty specific wishes for what comes next, so I don’t yet know what the plan is for a service or memorial or whatever it is he has spelled out.
I do know one thing, though. He would very much get a kick out of knowing we all enjoyed a margarita on the rocks in his honor. Or a round of golf. Or some fly fishing. Or even just a nap on the couch while the TV is on.
Terry Wayne Gill, 72, of Bella Vista, died Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.
He was born May 27, 1949 to the late Fred Davis Gill (1927-2003) and Retta Marie Gill (1929-2009) of Fordyce.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ann Gill; daughter, Katie Elizabeth Murry; his son, Jeremy Todd Gill; his brother, Paul Douglas Gill; and his three grandchildren, Cole David Murry, Baylor Gray Murry, and Iris Adella Gill.
