Claude J. Gammill

Dec. 14, 1924 – Sept. 6, 2016

NATCHEZ — Services for Claude J. Gammill, 91, who died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at his residence after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Natchez with Dr. Doug Broome officiating.

Burial will be 2 p.m. at Siloam Baptist Church, located on Mississippi 98, in Meadville, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church.

Mr. Gammill was born Dec. 14, 1924, in Meadville, the son of Edgar C. Gammill and Laura Murray Gammill.

He was a 1943 graduate of Meadville High School and began his career with the Illinois Central Railroad. He later worked for Sears Roebuck and Company, Woods Automotive and Etheridge Automotive.

In 1968, he opened his own business, Bellemont Auto Supply, which he operated until his retirement. After retirement, he was maintenance manager at Plantation Manor Apartments and delivered flowers for the Flower Station. He spent many happy times going to football games, gardening and cutting grass with his brother, Barnett Gammill. They were lovingly known as “Mo” and “Joe.”

Mr. Gammill was a member of First Baptist Church in Natchez and served for a number of years in various capacities. But, the one he enjoyed the most was being a greeter on Sunday mornings until his illness no longer allowed him to attend church. He served more than 50 years as a deacon and was honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus in 2012.

Mr. Gammill was strong in his faith and loved the Lord, his family and friends. He always had a smile, a handshake or a hug and a kind word for anyone who came his way. He will be missed by many.

Mr. Gammill was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Glida Gammill Phillips; and one brother, Barnett Gammill.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Martha Pickett Gammill; two daughters, Susan Gammill Smith and husband, Clark, and Kim Gammill; two sisters-in-law, Thelma Ruth Gammill and Tommie Jean Nix; five grandchildren, who lovingly called him PopPop, Jeff Smith and wife, Kim, of Orlando, Fla., Lindsey Williams and husband, John, of Madisonville, La., Lydia Chadwick and husband, Price, of Jackson, Amy Myers and husband, Mike, of Odenville, Ala., and Chad Saxon and wife, Wendy, of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; 10 great-grandchildren, Kendal and Brayden Smith, Bennett and Larson Williams, Blair and Kael Chadwick, Max and Mason Myers and Eli and Annabelle Saxon.

Pallbearers will be Paul Allen, Tommy Ferrell, Bob Mayfield, Wil Nolan, Bill Rice and Spencer Stutzman.

Honorary pallbearers will be past and present deacons of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church Music Fund, 150 D’Evereux Dr., Natchez, MS 39120 or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.