Bernard William Gills

Bernard William Gills, Sr., 80, of Lorton Lick Road, Bluefield, WV, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born October 26, 1934 on Belcher Mountain in Crystal, he was a son of the late Stuart and Callie Scott Gills. Bernard served in the US Army and was deployed in the Korean War. He was a retired coal miner at Crane Creek Coal Mines. He was also a member of the UMWA and had previously worked at the dye plant in falls Mills. He was a member of the Voice of Praise Worship Center for 55 years. He loved horses and collecting antiques. He will be missed dearly by all his family and friends, especially by his loving wife, Margaret. He was the love of her life. In addition to her parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Junior Gills, Margaret Paugh, Howard Gills, Beatrice “Bee” Stacey, Mildred Smith, Nelson Gills; Clinton Gills and twin sisters who passed at birth, Lorane and Irene. Survivors include: Wife of 53 years: Margaret Albert Gills of the home Son: Bernie Gills and wife Angie of Bluefield 4 daughters: Jackie Frankenfield and husband David of Lewisville, NC Judy Brenner and husband Paul of Concord, NC Linda Hall of Newton, NC Sharron Gentle of Princeton 3 siblings: brother, Sydney Gills of Dundey, FL sister, Ruth Lovell of Lorone, OH brother, Joe Gills and wife Sylvia of Rocky Gap, VA 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren Special Caregiver: Jacob Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. David Frankenfield and Rev. N. R. Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton with Evan and Steven Gills, Alvie Fitzko, David Riggs, Danny Blasky, and Jacob Shumate will serve as pallbearers. The Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military honors. Friends may call on Sunday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.