Skip to main content

Mr. Willie L. McGill, Jr.

By Joshua Smith

Elba - Mr. McGill was born August 2, 1949 in Eastman, Georgia, a son of the late Willie L. McGill, Sr. and Orgia Wilcox McGill.

A 1968 graduate of Elba Central School, Willie was a longtime manager at Heveron's Towne Manor in Batavia and was best known for his chicken barbecue that was served all throughout Genesee County. Along with his brothers, he would work as a bouncer at the local carnivals during the summer. A member of the First Baptist Church in Elba, Willie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved cooking, especially more exotic foods and loved all sports and was a great softball player who enjoyed playing in dart tournaments. Willie participated in many body building competitions.

He will be remembered as a genuine person who would give you the shirt off his back, a "gentle giant" and a tremendous brother.

His wife, Ruth McGill passed away on July 11, 1976.

He is survived by his siblings, Hazel (late Robert) Walker of Williamsville, Marcus McGill of Rochester,  Dorsie McGill of North Tonawanda  and Robert (Penny) McGill of Citrus Springs, Florida; seven nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia and on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Elba, 31 South Main Street, Elba. His funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 10 a.m. at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, 315 Alberta Drive, Amherst, New York 14226. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Authentically Local