Stephen “Steve” Michael Gill

THE FINAL SITREP

Stephen “Steve” Michael Gill, 62, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022, at home in hospice care after a brave battle with a rare form of myeloma, a blood cancer. 

Steve was born the second of four siblings on May 18, 1959, in Kingston, NY to Arthur Leon Gill. 

Following his graduation from Kingston High School (‘77), Steve enlisted in the United States Navy as a Storekeeper and rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After serving 10 years, Steve was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program and commissioned as a Naval Supply Corps Officer in July 1987.  Steve served 20 years as a Supply Corps Officer with sea tours aboard CV 43 USS Coral Sea, LHA 2 USS Saipan, and LHA 4 USS Nassau.  Shore tours included stints at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Commander Destroyer Squadron 4 in Charleston, SC, Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN, and the pinnacle of his career as Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Logistics Support Unit, responsible for all aspects of combat service support for special warfare units operating around the globe.  He wrapped up his career as the Executive Officer, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Pearl Harbor where he met the love of his life, Diane Gallion, and retired after 30 years of faithful and honorable service.

After retiring from the Navy, Steve and Diane settled in Fountain Inn, SC (next to a golf course…of course…Carolina Springs Golf Club!), but he never really retired.  Steve worked as a contractor for Shaw Environmental and CB&I, dipped his hand in the professional poker circuit, and started a tree surgery business born from cutting and trimming trees for numerous friends and neighbors, another example of the way he loved to help people.  Steve never met a stranger, he only made friends – seemingly everywhere he went!

Steve was an amazing man with a passion for his family, friends, and the wonderful camaraderie of his Navy and golfing communities. An avid and talented golfer, Steve was renowned for hitting miraculous shots from the most obscure locations on the golf course.  He often teed off in the morning after completing a full “day” of work.  It was well known that Steve could complete more before 8:00 a.m. than mere mortals complete in a day.

A simple French phrase embodies the life of Steve Gill, “joie de vivre.” (The exuberant enjoyment of life.).  Steve most enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, telling sea stories, and playing a round of golf, all with plenty of laughter, which we all fondly remember! He also reveled in being presented with a challenge, the bigger the better.  More often than not, the “challenge” was a problem faced by a friend or family member, and with his help, always successfully resolved.  Steve had an enormous heart and always chose to help others at every opportunity. He was always there when anyone needed a hand.  His passing will leave a huge hole in the lives of the people he touched in his lifetime.

 Steve is survived by his wife of 15 years Diane Gill, his two children, Eric (Angel) and Zach (Darcy), and his siblings Michael and Lisa. He was preceded in death by his father and brother (Greg “Gilly”).  Known as PaPa, Steve was most proud of his 2 grandchildren, Leila, and Emerson.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Moretti’s Pizzeria & Bar in Mauldin, SC, from 1:00 p.m. to closing.  Interment will occur at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation by visiting https://themmrf.org/.  

Gill signing out!!!!

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