Ray Gill, 70, of Wauchula, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Advent Hospital-Sebring surrounded family and loved ones. He was born in Augusta, Georgia on September 16, 1952, to Earl and Freida Prescott Gill and moved to this area at an early age from Tampa.

Ray graduated from Hardee County Senior High School, Class of 1970. He attended Florida State University where he was a member of the Marching Chiefs Band, which he continued to support as a member of the alumni band.

He graduated from FSU in 1974 with a master's degree in education, and moved to Wauchula to begin his career as an educator. Not only was Ray a third-grade teacher at Wauchula Elementary but he was the Early Childhood Development Director at Zolfo Springs Elementary and the Assistant Principal at Nocatee Elementary until his retirement.

He was Nocatee Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013 school year. Ray was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church where he was active in many different capacities including the Adult Choir and the Handbell Choir. He was also a member of the Hardee County Fair Board and director of the Prince and Princess Pageant for over 40 years. Ray was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2006.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie and several uncles and aunts. Survivors are his sister and brother-in-law, Kay & Dennis Crews, his nephews, Jake Crews, Sid Crews and fiancé Emma-Rae Stockton, his sister-in-law, Renee Gill, cousins, and many extended family members including Bill Boynton.

Funeral services are Thursday, Dec. 15, at 3:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hardee County Class of 1970. In the

memo area of your check please write "E. Ray Gill Memorial". Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1673 Wauchula, FL 33873.