Cal Gill, Sr.
Cal “Lester” Lavon Gill Sr. February 25, 1959 – November 2, 2025
Cal “Lester” Lavon Gill Sr., age 66, of Knoxville, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on November 2, 2025. Born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 25, 1959, Cal was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and faith touched all who knew him. A proud graduate of Austin-East High School, he was a star quarterback admired for his leadership and determination. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Johnson C. Smith University, reflecting his drive and commitment to excellence. Cal dedicated 40 years to the Knoxville Post Office, where his hard work and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. He enjoyed football, golf, coaching young athletes, spirited political discussions, and cherished time with family and friends. He was married to Terri Denise Owens-Gill for ten years, and their union was blessed with three children. Later, he shared six years of marriage with Sharon Hardin Gill, whose love and support remained an important part of his life.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and John Gill; sister, Doris Davis; and brother, John Gill Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: children Cal L. Gill Jr. of Knoxville, TN; Jessica (Alexander) Hartman of Pensacola, FL; and Petty Officer Xavier D. Gill of Norfolk, VA; siblings Vera Gill-Harvey, Johnnie (Tommy) Marvin, Joyce (Willie) Howard, Karen (Chris) Thompson, all of Knoxville, TN, and Mark Gill of Bristow, VA. His cherished nieces and nephews include Dwight Davis, Donald Davis (California), Cory Thompson (Washington, D.C.), John Morgan (Knoxville, TN), Ashford (Victoria) Hughes, Mario (Canita) Hughes (Huntsville, TN), Erica (Clarence) Henderson, Cynthia Mitchell (Seattle, WA), Joy Parks (Knoxville, TN), and many other dear family and friends. Special thanks to the Austin-East Class of 1977, Sharon Hardin, Katoya Burgins, and Dwayne Thompson for their love and support.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 11-12:00 p.m. with A Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12:00 Noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN, with Rev. Vincent Jones officiating.
Mr. Gill will be laid to rest at the New Grey Cemetery immediately following the service. A dove release will conclude in his honor. Cal “Lester” Lavon Gill Sr. will be remembered for his laughter, integrity, and deep love for family — a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting legacy of faith and compassion.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com
I am very sorry for your loss. Cal and I were members of the Austin-East High School football team. He was a great quarterback! Wishing the entire family God's grace and peace. David W. Cullom, A-E, Class of 1978 Raleigh, NC
My heat is heavy as I say farewell to another friend, classmate and Burlington brother! I am lifting the Gill family up in prayer and thanking the Almighty God for the love and precious memories of my dear friend & brother by love 🙏🏾❤️🦋❤️🙏🏾 Rest in Heavenly Peace "Ando"😇
To The Gill Family: May Your Fondest Memories And The Everlasting Arms Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ Grant You Comfort, Peace And Strength Now And In The Days To Come- Sincere Condolences And Prayers Are Extended- Cal, You're Forever Be Remembered By Your Johnson C. Smith University, 1981 Classmates, And Your Great Leadership As Quarterback On The '77-'81 JCSU Football Team Made For Greater Times, During Our JCSU Days! Rest In Peace, '81 Classmate- Dennis Branch Raleigh, N.C.
He was my Quarterback and I was his Center I tried to always protect him he was a great leader for our team I'm so sorry that I can't be there in Atlantic City and there's no fights my prayers are with the family I truly loved my football brother Gill and thank you my brother Jeff Coan his other Center for being there and Victor Cozart and all the others love you brother and I will miss you but I will never forget you Love you always Earthquake class of 1977-1981
Uncle Cal I will miss you very much. I have a lot of funny memories of you that I will remember forever. I'll never forget how you used to call me and Adarius Africans because we would walk outside with no shoes on hahaha! I love you uncle cal, fly high, soar! Amen.
I guess it's now been over 39 years since I met Cal at work. He always had a smile to share, sometimes a witicism to share, but most importantly just someone to speak with.
May the peace that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Today I find myself being reminded of the humility, leadership, kindness, and respectful nature of a once in a life time classmate and teammate. Cal exemplified what being a MAN was all about. His demonstrative manner in which he carried himself on campus was admired by countless. Rest In Peace, my brother.
My condolences to family.May God continue to bless and watch over you.
i love you granddaddy rest in peace, such a ball of energy❤️
Condolence to the family of my classmate of 1981 JCSU 🙏🏽 during this difficult time.
I was sorry to hear of Cal's passing. I sincerely wish peace and comfort to his family and loved ones.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd.... Our deepest heartfelt sympathy and may the Peace of GOD that surpasses all understanding comfort all now and forevermore. Treasure the memories of your loved ones in your Hearts ❤️. Continual prayers in the days, months, and years to come.
My sincere condolences to the family. Rest in peace classmate.
My sincere condolences to the Gill family. May comfort and peace be with you during this time.
My Brother you will be missed. We have been friends since childhood. Much love.
When I received the news of your passing Sunday , It took me a good while to process this. I am so sorry to hear of it and know that you will truly be missed by many. Rest in peace my brother.
Ready in peace my friend.
On behalf of the entire Burns Family, please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of Cal Gill Sr. I remember Cal during the many engagements of the class of 1977 which my sisters Revelta "Jew" Burns and Charmaine Burns were apart of. He will truly be missed. Please know if you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. May the Presence of Holy Spirit continue to provide you with His Peace.
Living next-door to Cal parents for years! we made beautiful memories, with much love, joy, and happiness. Cal jr will remain in our hearts forever.🌹🙏🏽
Many prayers going up to the family and friends of our dear Lester (Cal). Such a Big Brother figure during those High School years, always watching out for me. Grateful for our friendship as neighbors. Rest well dear Brother❤️💙
I remember my schoolmate , fondly my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family.
Thank my brother for bringing me into the fold of Omega Psi Phi. I will forever remember that time together. My love and prayers go out to the Gill family.
Cal was a friend and a classmate of mine we played football together at Austin-East. My prayers are with his family may God give you peace and strength during this time of Homegoing.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. I will forever cherish our friendship. I pray for peace and comfort for you all.
So sad to hear about Cal's passing. I worked with him at the post office for 35+ years. He was a very kind and funny man. I know he will be dearly missed by many. My deepest condolences to his family.
To The Family, My Friend) Classmate Mark Gill I Give My Deepest Condolences To You'll This Loss Have Left A Hole In All Of Our Hearts Forever..... Lester (Cow) Gill Was Loved By So Many, We Will Truly Miss You My Brother Until We See Each Other Again Rest Easy. Love Niecey Murphy Bone
Sorry to hear that Cal passed. When I went to grad school at UT he made sure I was connected to Hodge and the fellows to look after this Golden Bull. Much love to the family and comfort to your hearts.
Man I only knew Cal for a few years , he was one of the best person I have met since moving to Knoxville , RIP my good friend.
I'm sorry for the loss of my classmate 😔 wonderful person you GOD for letting him for being in my life 🙏 l love you and will always be in my Heart ❤️ Praying for your Family 🙏❤️
Our condolences to the family of Cal. Gill, Sr. We will always remember his love, smile, and heart filled love to everyone.
My sincere condolences to the Gill family may Cal rest in eternal peace.
Yolanda Crowe and family
MY CONDOLENCES. LORD REST HIS SOUL.
Sending my heart felt condolences to Karen and family. You all are in my prayers.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.