Ronald Paul McGill, age 77, lifelong resident of Bear Creek, passed away June 13, 2021 in Panama City, FL. Born February 12, 1944, he was the youngest of eight children to Benjamin Elmore and Ada Mae Goodwin McGill.

Ronald attended Waller Elementary and Bay High School. After graduation, he worked for International Paper Company as a supervisor in the woodland's division, as a longshoreman, in the title department of Lawyer's Title, and sold snakes to the old Snake-A-Torium. He was a longtime board member of the Gulf Coast Electric Coop, and served as their president for many years. The profession that he loved the most was farmer. Born and raised on the family homestead on McGill Road, he was in his element while raising animals and planting and tending to vegetables, trees, grapes, or flowers.

Ronald loved nature and the outdoors. He knew much about animals, hunting, and fishing, and was eager to share his knowledge with anyone who asked. He was a people person, and loved to tell stories, which usually included some sort of animal. He was the one who people would call to remove unwanted gators, snakes, and alligator snapping turtles, and would usually do it bare handed!

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Richmond, Claude, Charles, and Johnny McGill, Gladys Odom, and Joyce Ann Railey.

He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Brattain (Rob) of Keizer, OR and son Ronnie McGill (Christina) of Panama City, FL, grandchildren: James, Michael, Daniel, and Charlotte Brattain, Shelby, Karli, and Connor McGill. Sister, Pearl Via (Ralph), sisters-in-law, Bertie McGill, Lucille McGill, and Jane Ann McGill.  Brother-in law, Joe Railey. Ex-wives Mary Ester Armstrong and Claudia Boutwell, step children Jenifer Kinkade (Aaron) and Katherine (Lorin) Jorgenson, and their children. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family expresses their deepest appreciation to the Beehive Assisted Living Facility in Panama City, Emerald Coast Hospice, and all of the workers who helped provide such great care for him since Hurricane Michael. It was a blessing to know that he was being cared for, and that he had a wonderful home to spend his last days. We would also like to thank his nephew and wife, Ray and Sue McGill for taking care of the family homestead while he was away, ferrying him to his many doctor's appointments, and spending time with him when we could not. This meant more to us than we can possibly express.

Ronald was so saddened by the destruction Hurricane Michael caused to most of the plants that he had planted during his lifetime, as well as the tree canopy in our area. To honor Daddy's memory and his love of agriculture, we ask that instead of cut arrangements, you might consider planting a tree or flower in his honor.  If you would like the family to plant it at the homestead, we could sprinkle some of his ashes underneath, so that Daddy can continue to contribute to the place he loved so much.

Ronald's memorial service will be held at Bear Creek Assembly of God on Saturday, June 26 at 4pm. Visitation to follow the service.