Richard Charles 'Dick' Gill

Richard Charles “Dick” Gill, 72, of Wattersonville, Pa., formerly of Slippery Rock passed away peacefully Tuesday at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot.

He was born in Slippery Rock to Frank Andrew and Verla Grace Hovis Gill.

Dick graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1963 and Vale Technical Institute in 1965.

He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard.

He spent his early years working at his father's business, Frank Gill's Used Car and Garage. Simultaneously, he built and raced late model and modified stock cars on Western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio dirt tracks. He later founded, owned and operated two auto parts stores, Gill's Auto Parts in Grove City and Slippery Rock.

He purchased his current residence along the Allegheny River in 1984 which he referred to as “Camp” and called it his “Heaven on Earth.” He cherished his days there and spent many years clearing his property to make it the beautiful place it is today.

He loved boating, hunting, fishing, mechanical work and spending time with family and friends. He was a friend to many and an enemy to none.

Survivors include a niece, Terri Propst of Edinboro; his nephew, Todd Propst (Holly) of Erie; two great-nieces and one great-nephew; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sally Carol Gill Propst; and his brother-in-law, John Propst.

GILL — Friends of Richard Charles “Dick” Gill, who died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, will be received from 2 until 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 until service at 11 a.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Jeff Curtis, pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church, and Pastor Sherry Mosley, retired, both officiating.Interment will be in Slippery Rock Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Highland Presbyterian Church, 310 Franklin St., Slippery Rock, or Wattersonville United Methodist Church, 117 Friendly Lane, Cowansville, PA 16218.