CAMDEN — Thomas Watts McGill,
age 88, passed away March 27, 2020 in Camden, Ark. He was born January 11, 1932 in Camden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Samuel D. McGill and Helen McRae Watts McGill; a brother, Samuel D. McGill Jr.; two sisters, Mary Helen McGill Adams and Josephine Tate McGill.
He is survived by two nieces, Susan Fordham (Jimmy) of Monroe, La., and Kathy Welch (James) of Camden. Also surviving are three great nieces and a great nephew, Melissa Davis (Greg) of Sylvania, Ga., Laura Andrews (Zack) of Monroe, La., Jennifer Miller (Tyler) of Waco, Texas, and Andrew Welch (Bre) of Fort Smith, Ark. Additional survivors are numerous cousins.
After graduating from Camden High School, he enrolled in Magnolia A&M (now Southern Arkansas University). After two years he transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Business. When he graduated he accepted a commission in the Naval Reserve. He spent a tour of duty as a Gunnery officer aboard the USS Glennon, a Gearring class (WWII) destroyer.
He was a lifelong Presbyterian and served as both a deacon and elder. He was also a past president and long-time member of Camden Kiwanis Club. He was a charter member of the Ouachita Valley Community Foundation and served on the state board for eight years.
He was in the land and timber business and was a member of the Arkansas Forestry Association.
Among his hobbies were white water canoeing, Boy Scouts of America, Razorback football, Travel and woodworking.
Mustin Lake was a special place for Thomas. He started going there as a child, and through the years he enjoyed sharing his Mustin Lake house with family and friends. He especially loved watching the next generations of nieces and nephews spend time at Mustin and grow to love Mustin as much as he did!
Thomas will be remembered as a true Southern Gentleman.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a later date. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Camden, Ark., or to a charity of your choice.