TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RAY MC GILL
WHEREAS, Ray McGill, a most beloved citizen, friend and towering figure in Chicago's great 8 ward community, has been called home by our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, God in His infinite wisdom chose, Thursday, August 17, 2012 to bring His precious child, Ray McGill home to his heavenly reward; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been notified of his transition by the Honorable Michelle Harris, Alderman ofthe 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Ray McGill was born on May 11, 1935 in Waynesboro, Mississippi, to his loving parents Thomas and Willie Marie McGill. He was the fifth child and the second son of the twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. McGill and their five sons and seven daughters shared many precious and memorable times together; and
WHEREAS, Although he was born and raised in Mississippi where he attended Smith Hughes High School during his elementary and high school years, Ray wanted to expand his experiences, so at the age of twenty he moved to Chicago and made it his lifelong home. He held various positions in companies such as: Oscar Mayer, Imperial Metal Company and St. Bernard Hospital, and was always a dedicated employee; and
WHEREAS, Three years after moving to Chicago, Ray's heart was captured by a young woman who was to become his wife and love of his life, the former Ve Ella (Vee) Knox. They were united in Holy Matrimony and shared fifty-three years of Wedded Bliss; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Ray accepted Christ at an early age in Mississippi. He was a committed member of Saint Luke Baptist Church and served on the Usher Board and sang in the Youth Choir. Shortly after Ray and Vee McGill were married they joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, and remained faithful members for twenty-three years. In 1982 Ray and Vee moved to the south side of Chicago and became members of Oakdale Covenant Church. Ray continued the tradition he began at Saint Luke Baptist Church, and joined the Usher Board, and served faithfully until his health failed; and
WHEREAS, His parents and three brothers, Arthur, Joseph and Truman having preceded him in death, Ray McGill will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched, particularly his loving and devoted wife, Ve Ella McGill; seven sisters, Ms. Alma Miller, Missionary Gladys C. Brown, Sister Bernice Lee, Ms. Patricia Owens, Rev. Bertha McCann, Ms. Collie Jones, and Mrs. Elvira McGrew (Charles); a brother, Daniel McGill; a special niece, Rita Pulliam; a godchild, Zelma Lea; two god-grandchildren, Zequesha Robinson and Zara Ana McCoy, and a host of other nieces,, nephews, cousins, church family and many friends; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this third day of October 2012 A.D., offer our deepest condolences to the family of Ray McGill and offer our best wishes that their grief will soon be replaced by the warmth of his memory.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman - 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Ray McGill.