Obituary
Guest Book
1924
2013
Millard Franklin Gatwood Jr. left his earthbound home and journeyed into heavenly space on the 26th of March 2013. Millard was born in Pollard, AL on May 22, 1924. Predeceased by his wife Adele Gatwood his sister Helen Wall, his parents Millard and Ethel Gatwood and his grandson Paul Fensom. He leaves behind his loving wife Susan (East) Gatwood. Susan's two sons' Eric (Jennifer) East and Kevin East, a sister Evelyn (Calvin) Newberry and a brother Raymond (Betty) Gatwood and his three children Millard (Cheryl) Gatwood, Darlene (Ches) Fensom and John Gatwood. Grandchildren are Eddie Gatwood, Scott Gatwood, Chris Gatwood, Stacy Fensom, Sandra Garcia, Travis Gatwood, Zachary East and Tabitha East. He also leaves behind seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Millard served honorably in the U.S. Army both as enlisted and later as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3). He served for over 22 years and fought in WWII in the Pacific. He helped free the Philippines and then went to Japan with the occupation troops. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He was awarded many meritorious medals and ribbons while serving the Army. The one award that he treasured the most was his working for Boeing Aircraft Corporation on the Apollo/Saturn Project and having his name listed in the Smithsonian Institute for his work in the Space Program. Millard was a gifted athlete. He played football for the Army and was on the boxing team. After his retirement he played golf and was a scratch golfer. Millard volunteered as a driver for Baptist Hospital and drove patients to appointments and treatments. He made many friends there and helped countless people. He was a kind and gentle soul and a friend to everyone he came in contact with.
The family would like to the thank the staff at Sims Veterans Nursing Home, especially Libby, Jessica and Ruth thanks also to Vicky Sellers of Covenant Hospice.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 11:30 AM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 AM until the service hour. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 6, 2013
Donand Greenlee
Susan, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. He sounded like a wonderful man. I am Julane Greenlee, a classmate of Ronnie Pierce and am helping my husband Don plan a Gatwood Family Reunion on Oct 5 here in Mobile at Lott Rd Ch. of God. Millard's dad was Don's mom's first cousin. Her name was Katie Gatwood Greenlee. Please share with your family that we have a Gatwood Historical fb page with loads of pics, info about the reunion and lots of Gatwood geneogoly. Our home # is 251-649-4368 and we would love to hear from you and welcome you into this group. Reading about your husband's accomplishments was so touching. Don and his 5 brothers served a total of 105 active duty combined years in the military. I think they must have been made out of the same mold. So proud of our men in Service. Hopeing to hear from your family.
April 1, 2013
Roger and Julie Clark
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Susan, Darlene, and all the family.
God Bless all of you.
Sincerely,
Roger & Julie Clark, Panama City, FL
April 1, 2013
Tommie Pierce
Susan, sorry to hear of Uncle Millard passing. He had a kind and gentle spirit and always a pleasant smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 1, 2013
My condolences to the Gatwood family.
"May the God who gives peace be with all of you. Amen."
-Romans 15:33
April 1, 2013
Una (Hall) Sepulveda
Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of Millard's passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
April 1, 2013
Susan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bennie Stowers
April 1, 2013
Bert and Deborah Miller
Susan and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Millard. He was a special person. The thing is we know we will see and be with him again in heaven where we know he is already having a great time with his mom and my grandparents Gene and Sylvia Simmons. I do not think it will be long and we will all be up there with them. We love you.
March 31, 2013
Bob Bailey
Susan, you and Millard will always be some of my favorite Balcony People. Your encouragement, empowerment and hospitality change any situation into something much more beautiful. Millard's smile could light up any room. He will be missed in significant ways. It is and has been an honor to be a pastor to the two of you.
March 31, 2013
Thurman & Connie Strange
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
March 31, 2013
Judy & Ron Hull
Susan, Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
March 30, 2013
Cheryl
Well Dad you are finally home! I cherish all the times you, Mom & I had together. Your love for me was always known. I will meet you on the other side!!
March 30, 2013
Sandie Rivera
I cherish every moment I had with you grandfather. One day we shall be reunited again. All my love, your grand daughter Sandra Grace Rivera <3
March 30, 2013
Susan,
My thoughts are with you.
Laurie Lukers
March 28, 2013
BillyRay Gatwood
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