Edward “Ed” Gills

Edward “Ed” Gills, 85, of Morganton, NC went home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 2, 2017 after a period of declining health.  Born in Bluefield, WV on July 21, 1931, he was the son of the late Golden Watts “G.W.” Gills and Edith Morris Gills.  Ed married his wife, Caretta, in Bluefield where they were active members of Calvary Baptist Church.  He was a school teacher and coach at Fairview Junior High School for 7 years.  He moved to West Palm Beach, FL in 1962 and worked as a teacher and guidance counselor at Gulf View and Bear Lakes Middle School for 9 years.  He retired in 1991.  Ed and his wife moved to Morganton in 2004.  They attended Morganton First Church of God and sang in the choir for many years.

Mr. Gills is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caretta Lowder Gills of Morganton; sons, Timothy M. Gills of West Palm Beach and Keith E. Gills and wife, Sheryl, of Valdese, NC; grandchildren, Tana Kay Gills of Manchester, NH, Timothy Gills and wife, Kelly, of Lugoff, SC, Brandon Gills and wife, Hillary, of Valdese, and Kevin Gills and wife, Whitney, of Valdese; great-granddaughters, Kayla, Kamy, Jordin, and Millie; a brother, Ralph E. Gills of Bluefield; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 pm, Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Morganton First Church of God.  The funeral will follow at 5 pm at the church with the Rev. John McDivitt and the Rev. Don Smith officiating.  The graveside service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, January 6, 2017 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.