William C. Gill

William C. Gill, age 70, of Collinsville, IL, born on September 1, 1953, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at his residence.

Bill was raised in East St. Louis, Illinois until he graduated high school and then lived in west St. Louis County for many years.  It was during the early years in Missouri that he would work many jobs and begin his many friendships that he would carry until his passing.  He worked in the restaurant industry, was a butcher at a packing plant in National City and would spend the next few decades working in the glass industry.  During the late 70’s, he started a glass company, One Heckuva Glass Company, with 2 of his friends that lasted for several years then moved to working in industrial glass shops into the new millennium.

His modesty would never allow him to admit it, but he was a handy craftsman.  Many of us will remember his stained glass and sandblasting projects he made for us.  He also had a seemingly natural affinity for electronics.  Bill was somewhat of a McGyver in that he would often use whatever he could to make something work.  It was this ability that would guide him to his love of audio/visual and later computers. Above all, Bill was a lover of nostalgia.  He was a cinephile and spent many years recording, cataloging, and watching movies.  He particularly enjoyed older movies, but we also discovered he had a fondness for British TV.  This extensive knowledge would lead to his other passion for Trivia Nights.  For many years he participated in many trivia nights with his team and his movie knowledge made him a boon to any trivia night team.

Although in the past few decades, Bill lived a low-key life and the last decade health issues made him less active.  He always showed up for family and friends’ events.  Bill will always be remembered for his quick wit, his self-deprecating humor, and his big heart as well as his generosity to those he cared about.  We will miss you, brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dolores, nee Goodwin Gill; his brother Robert A. Gill; and his niece, Barbara Hall.

BIll is survived by his brother, James E. Gill; his sister, Kathy (Thomas) Deddens; and his niece and nephews, Rebecca Visco, Jared Gill, and Steve Deddens. William is the beloved “Guncle” to the children of his good friends Bill and Ann Gamlin, Chris Gamlin, Katie Nord, Allison Naber and John Gamlin.

The Celebration of Life for Bill Gill will be Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Collinsville, IL location).  #8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL  62234.  If you are able, the family invites you to please join us afterwards for a light “Fiesta” luncheon in his honor.   

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