Sydney Gill was born on Friday, March 5, 1926, in Carthage, Mississippi to Lizzie Wilder Gill and Booker T. Gill. Sydney was the third child of eleven siblings born to this union; Jessie (deceased), K. T. (deceased), Mary (deceased), George (deceased), Nellie, Bessie, Marlene (deceased), Luvenia, H. C. (deceased) and U. C. (deceased). Sydney accepted Christ and baptized at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Carthage, Mississippi.

In 1944, Sydney joined the U. S. Army, and was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. While serving in World War II, his tour of duty took him to Seattle Washington, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Yokohama, Japan. In 1947, he returned to Seattle, Washington where he was honorably discharged. Sydney returned to Carthage, Mississippi to reunite with family before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana and later he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Cleveland that he met Mamie Ruth Newberry and joined in holy matrimony on March 5, 1949. To this lovely union three daughters were born; Germaine Ruth (deceased), Sandra and Karen Leah. Sydney and Mamie enjoyed 60 years of married bliss and devotion, she preceded him in death.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Sydney began his career with the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad as a professional repair technician. He used his military acumen to improve the rail service. As a dedicated hard worker with the railroad, he was able to provide a comfortable living for his family throughout his career. After his 34 years as a loyal employee he retired in 1978.

After retirement, his social life continued through church. Sydney an active member of Tried Stone Baptist Church and later joined Lee Road Baptist Church in 1978 he became a member of the Usher Board. He participated in many church activities with moral integrity.

Sydney was a loving father and especially enjoyed vacationing with his family. Spending time as a family was paramount to him. He would visit his brothers and sisters regularly and bring the children along. This solidified the bonds of family and made the perpetual fire of belongingness burn in the hearts of every one. He made being together as a family priority and fun.

Many remember Sydney as a man of character. He was kind hearted with a gentle spirit, loving, handsome, funny, quick witted, helpful, trustworthy, understanding, non-judgmental, independent, strong willed, forgiving, adventurous, curious, open-minded, and creative. There was nothing he would not do to help his neighbors in need. He had a quiet and often misunderstood sense of humor, and a master at telling stories of his life experiences. One of his favorite past times was his vegetable garden and he would share his bounty with neighbors and friends. He enjoyed all types of music and had some “smooth” moves on the dance floor.

As a devoted son, brother, husband and father, he was the one who made sure his family had everything they needed, most of what they wanted and, always, all of his love. He will be remembered for his words of wisdom which he often imparted to his children and grandchildren. Sydney always wanted the best for his family. He taught them to think things through, to care, and to do what’s right.

Sydney peacefully departed this life on Monday, April 4, 2016 with family by his side. He leaves to cherish his memory two loving daughters, Sandra Beale and Karen Leah Gill; grandchildren, Robert Lynn Beale Jr. and Casandra Nicole Beale and great-granddaughter, Ava Nicole McClendon and a host of relatives and friends.