Robert Leroy Gill, 73 of Charlotte, departed his earthly life on Wednesday, on June 23, 2021, as he was called home to take his rest in heaven.  He was born February 1, 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina and was the son of the late Thomas H. and Ada Mobley Gill.

Robert grew up in the Grier Heights community and was well known as a serious sports enthusiast.  He and several of his neighborhood friends attended Second Ward High School and were considered some of the most talented athletes who took Second Ward to a State Championship in 1964.  While at Second Ward, not only was Robert the quarterback and Captain of the football team, but he was also Captain of the basketball team.  To say that he loved sports was an understatement.  Robert and his teammates were noted to have pummeled their West Charlotte rivals every year in the great Queen City Classic!  He was a member of a special Brotherhood of Champions; he loved Second Ward and was loved by many who attended Second Ward.  As a result of his athletic abilities, he attended Johnson C. Smith University on a football scholarship in 1966 and was then drafted into the U.S. Army.

After his stint in the army, Robert worked several years for Western Electric.  However, his career was spent with United Parcel Service, from which he retired after 32 years.  While with UPS, Robert had an exemplary driving record and for his 25 years of safe driving, received a National Safe Driving Award.

Robert loved Grier Heights and in 2009, he and his soulmate Regina Cynthia Polk Gill, returned to the neighborhood where they met and grew up together.  As a couple, they worked diligently to help improve the community and Robert would often be seen mowing the grass at the neighborhood entrance and tending to the neighborhood garden.  Much of Robert's time was spent in his yard, his passion shows in its appearance.  He and his 5 year-old great-grandson, Paxton, spent many hours together in the yard where Robert not only cultivated a beautiful lawn but where he groomed a grandchild who loved and admired him.

Robert spent many hours working in Grier Heights Presbyterian Church.  He was an ordained Deacon and was currently an active Trustee.  He took his responsibilities very seriously, and the Church is better because of it.  In addition, Robert had a beautiful voice and was a soloist in the choir.  We were all blessed when he shared with us one of his special selections.  Because of his hard work and commitment, in 1998, he was voted "Man of the Year" by the Presbyterian Women of Grier Heights.

All who knew Robert knew him as a man of honor and integrity.  He was always wiling to impart some knowledge and share some words of wisdom with anyone who would engage him.  He was a straight shooter; he did not sugar coat it for you, but you knew that while you might not always agree, he cared about you and would not mislead you.

Above all else, Robert was a family man.  He loved his wife; they were the epitome of "Black Love."  Many admired the special relationship that they shared for so many years.  Robert had four wonderful sons but together, they raised three.  The type of man that Robert was is exemplified in his sons.  He had a special relationship with all of his family, and they all felt special to him because of the love that he showed them all.  His many friends feel the same as he treated everyone like family.  This was demonstrated as recently as this past Mother's Day as he felt the call to show appreciation for not only his wife but also for other women of importance in his life.  Robert catered a Mother's Day Brunch in his beautiful "Home and Garden" yard.

Most recently, Robert lost his beloved Aunt Gerry, who was more than an Auntie to him.  She spent her final days with Cindy and him, surrounded by love in their home.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Regina (Cindy); sons, Timothy Byers (Shana) of Huntsville, TN and Brandon Gill (Ivy), Omar Gill (Lisa) and Rahman Gill (Shantari), all of Charlotte, NC; brothers, William Gill (Mary) and Charles Gill (Brenda) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Ashlee Byers of Atlanta, GA, Asia Byers of Nashville, TN, AutumnRe' Byers and Ayana Byers of Huntsville, TN, Aja Gill of Charlotte, Shaakira Gill of Baltimore, MD, Shamar Gill, Lance Gill, Chancellor Gill, Dyjia Gill and great grandchildren, Paxton Gill and Pailey Long all of Charlotte; in addition to a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many special life-long friends.