Joel Andrew Gomillion
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Joel Andrew Gomillion, age 89, went to meet the Lord on August 18, 2022. He died at San Antonio Methodist Hospital after a brief illness. He was born January 10, 1933, in Whitsett, Texas. Joel was delivered at home by the local doctor and the fee was a load of corn. Joel's father never let him forget this cost! His parents were Andrew H. Gomillion, Jr. and Frances Elizabeth Weatherly Gomillion.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sammie Gail Gomillion Sindt; and his wife, Carol Laverne O'dell Gomillion. He is survived by his three sons, David Joel Gomillion (Martha) of Fredericksburg, John Andrew Gomillion of San Antonio, and James Henry Gomillion (Leigh) of Frisco. He is also survived by two stepsons, Robert Edward Ingle (Anita) of San Marcos, and Edward Lee Sanders (Yvonne) of San Benito; and two stepdaughters, Carolyn Laverne Ingle Ferguson (Steve) of McAllen, and Laurie Marie Ingle Arteaga (Geronimo "Buck") of Edinburg. Joel was blessed with over 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he loved them all! He, also, is survived by many nieces and nephews.
After being raised in Whitsett, Texas, Joel attended his freshman year at the University of Texas in Austin. He went home that summer to work on the farm and got drafted by the US Army during the Korean War. He served on a radar base in California where he eventually met Ronda Marie Pirtle. They moved back to Texas and that is where they raised three sons, David, John, and James.
He later married Carol Laverne O'dell and gained children, Robert, Carolyn, Laurie, and Edward by the union.
Joel was a good athlete and always very competitive. He loved sports, dominoes, card games, bowling, and anything else he could compete at. His biggest love of these was bowling and he bowled in leagues, state tournaments, and national tournaments for over 50 years! He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and the San Antonio Spurs. Joel and Carol loved to travel, and Las Vegas and Reno were frequent destinations! Joel and Carol were also active long-time members of Edinburg First United Methodist Church.
After his service in the Army, Joel finished his degree in Agriculture Engineering at Texas A & I College. Joel will be remembered by many for his years at Heaton Implement Company. He worked for almost 30 years as parts manager, sales, and later partner. He will also be remembered for his many years coaching and supporting Edinburg area amateur sports.
Joel will be remembered as a loving, family man and a man with strong moral fiber. Integrity, honesty, love, and never giving up were always taught by him.
A celebration of life will be held at the Whitsett Community Center on September 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to IBC Youth Bowling, Inc. at 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, TX 76011, Edinburg First United Methodist Church at 3707 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78541, or another charity of your choice. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.