Millard Franklin Gatwood, Jr.

March 29, 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 Eddie Gatwood, Scott Gatwood, Chris Gatwood, Stacy Fensom, Sandra Garcia, Travis Gatwood, Zachary East and Tabitha East;  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 a.m. at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.  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.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries