William D. Gillenwater, Jr
William D. Gillenwater, Jr. 64, of Venetia. passed away on December 23, 2022, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Bluefield WV on June 23, 1958, a son of the late William D. Gillenwater Sr. and Helen Marie Dawson.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Rebecca Gillenwater; daughter, Jill Ann Fitzwater and son-in-law Derek of Fairmont, W.Va.; and son, William McKay Gillenwater of Wheeling, W.Va. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Browning and husband Steve; sister, Tina Goff; and sister-in-law, Carla Stinson. Additionally, surviving is his special granddaughter Emma Kay Fitzwater, and several nieces and nephews.
Gill graduated from Princeton Senior High School in 1978.He often shared fond memories of playing Junior High basketball and working summers at Glenwood Park with all his buddies.
He studied engineering at Bluefield State College. While attending college he began his 40-year career with Consol Energy. He was employed as draftsman in the land department in Bluefield, WV and quickly worked his way up to Land Manager.
Gill was instrumental in the development of Consol’s CBM program and the Buchanan Mine in Oakwood, VA. Later in his career he earned a promotion to Vice President of Land and was transferred to corporate office Southpointe, PA. Before his retirement in 2018, he led numerous successful land deals for the company. But Gill was quick to point out “It is always a team effort”. He continued to work having a productive consulting business from his home.
Anyone who ever met Gill knew him as a kind and generous man, quick with a smile and a story. Above all he was a family man, But the Mountaineers always came a close second! Just a few of the many things that brought his life joy were the beach, visiting family back home, fishing, golfing, and a new love of camping. After retirement he enjoyed several camping trips with his wife and granddaughter.
Friends may join Gill’s family to honor his life and legacy from 4 to 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Westover / Morgantown on Friday, December 30th . At his request, cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his memory to the WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place – 7th Floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650.
Messages of comfort and other symbolic gestures for the family may be offered at www.smithfcc.com.