In loving memory of
C. E. “Bud” Gammill

• May 17, 1933
• -
• January 27, 2020

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Born in 1933, on a central Illinois farm, 4 years into the great depression, Captain CE.”Bud” Gammill, was the only son of Dorothy and Henderson Gammill. He had two sisters, Margorie, who preceded him in death, and Merna Piper of Champaign Illinois. He was the loving Husband of Karen Wright Gammill for 58 years, and they are the parents to three children: Patti Benner , Brad Benner)Batavia, Ill. Dave Gammill (Missy Braswell)Sycamore Ill, and Steven E. Gammill (Natalie Gammill) Orlando Fla. He left a great Heritage full of Love for Life, Love for God, and a heart for Adventure, to his three cherished Grandsons, Matthew Benner (Carly Heitzler), Adam Benner and Jake Benner (Stephanie Benner)of Spring Tx.
He has made so many wonderful friends throughout his lifetime, and He was so truly honored to know each one, during his life’s journey. He will be remembered most for his love of God, love for his Family and Friends, love of his great Country, his great Life stories, love for the Northwoods, and of course his love of Flight. He was a master of many things, always working on some project. This includes the building his own home, being a lifetime auto mechanic and collector of classic cars, and overhauling small plane engines. Honing in on his woodworking skills, He made a cradle engraved with his name, as his last and best project; as a gift to his 3 Grandson’s, to pass on to their children.
Bud made his way in the world through very hard times, much hard work, and perseverance. He did not experience indoor plumbing or electricity until he was 8 years old, during WWII. Despite those hardships, he went on to College, and He is a graduate from the University of Illinois; working earnestly full time, while carrying a full class load, to earn his room and board. During that time period, He spent 8 years flying in the National guard. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean war. After basic training, he was selected to go to Officer Candidate School in Ft Benning, Ga. There, he received a commission as Second Lieutenant; and subsequently after a few months service at Ft Riley Ks, He received training at the Army Aviation Training Center. He spent 3 years flying Border Patrol along the “Iron Curtain” in West Germany, during the Cold war with the USSR.
He Flew for United Airlines for 32 years; flying most of the planes they had during that time, and ended up flying the Pacific, in the Boeing 747-400. He was a Line Check Airman, training newly qualified pilots on that aircraft. After retirement, he flew his own V tail Bonanza for 13 years for a total of 50 years of flying. He was awarded the FAA’s Master Pilot Award, for 50 years of flying without accident. We Now dedicate his spirit back to The God who made him and carried him through this life, and we thank him for the time we got to have with him.
We all love you and miss you so much Dad. Words cannot express the vacuum we have in our hearts with your passing. Our lives are richer for knowing you. We will carry on your values, your legacy, and your dreams, in honor of the life you lived so well. Rest well, Captain Bud.
Your Loving Daughter, Patti