William Daniel “Bill” Gaskill Sr. of Ocracoke died April 27 at his home.
He was the husband of Alda Vann, at home.
Born Dec. 6, 1939, by one of the island midwives, he was a son of the late Thurston and Helen Gaskill.
Ever the optimist, he fought his battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma with a positive attitude and a desire to beat it. He was blessed to have so many family members and friends supporting him and was surrounded by loved ones when he passed peacefully.
Bill grew up on Ocracoke fishing and hunting with his father and enjoyed being a part of Ocracoke’s mounted Boy Scout Troop 290. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of 17 and began a 20-year military career.
In 1962, he married the girl he had loved since he was a child. He always said the happiest day of his life was when he married Alda Vann O’Neal. Son Danny was born in 1963, followed by his daughter Doreen in 1966. When he retired in 1976, he brought his family back home to Ocracoke. He then worked for the NCDOT Ferry Division and then retired for a second time.
Never one to be idle he could often be found helping someone with a problem when he was not fishing, clamming, or enjoying the sunset. He was an amazingly smart person who could do everything from building a house to fixing a car.
He always took the time to enjoy the simple things, and always made time for helping friends, family, and sometimes strangers. If Bill Gaskill did not have the tool you needed, there is a good chance it did not exist. He would lend out his tools, and most of the time stop what he was doing to help. He will be missed by people of all ages and especially his family.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother Thurston Fuller Gaskill and son Danny Gaskill.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter Doreen Gaskill Robinson; sister Annie Lou Gaskins; grandsons Ansley and Eldon Robinson; granddaughters Chrisi Gaskill and fiancé Charles Temple; and Katelyn Gaskill and husband Dustin Taylor.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1, in the Ocracoke Community Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Ocracoke United Methodist Church, PO Box 278, Ocracoke NC, 27960.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many people who helped in so many different ways during Bill’s illness.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
