FINAL ITINERARY

Walter Gill; Boatswain’s Mate

United States Navy; Vietnam 

<script></script> Mission Dates; September 3 & 8, 2009

Ride Captains: 

George “Snakebit” Raglin, (817) 825-2573 (c); snakebit@sprynet.com

Dewey "Diehard" Dyer, (214) 316-8730 (c); dgd4758@sbcglobal.net

Walter “Boats” Gill, beloved friend, compatriot and fellow Patriot Guard Rider passed away doing one of the things he loved… riding his motorcycle.  It is sad duty but a great honor to be able to stand for this wonderful man.  He touched many lives and he gave great comfort to many families as he stood with his brothers and sisters of the PGR.  We shall now stand for him, as he would have done, and has done, for any of us and as he has done time and time again for his fellow service men and women.

His obituary is as follows:

Mr. Gill passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 in Ft. Worth.  He was born March 13, 1941 in Corsicana.  His parents are Raymond Eugene and Alice Jewel Robinson Johnson.  Mr. Gill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired after 20 years of service.  He retired from Blue Ridge Paper Products after 15 years of service.  Mr. Gill was a member of the American Legion Post #648 in Rio Vista, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Texas, President of the Fishermens paradise Home Owners Association and member of the American Motorcycle Association. <script></script>

Mr. Gill is survived by his wife, Marcela Gill of Rio Vista; father and step mother, Raymond Eugene and Dorothy Johnson of Ft. Worth; son, Andy Gill and wife Michelle of Rio Vista; two granddaughters, Jami Gill and Jesi Gill; two step granddaughters, Taylor Belt and Abbie Belt and one step grandson, Colin Belt.

Part 1 – Visitation:  Thursday, September 3, 2009, 6:00 - 8:00 PM; Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home

Staging - 4:45PM; Briefing - 5:00PM

Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home

512 North Ridgeway Drive

Cleburne, Texas  76033

(817) 648-0522

Map - http://tinyurl.com/ltjmyv

Part 2 – Funeral, Escort and Interment:  Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 10:00 AM; Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home

Staging - 8:45AM; Briefing - 9:00AM

Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home

512 North Ridgeway Drive

Cleburne, Texas  76033

(817) 648-0522 <script></script>

Map – http://tinyurl.com/ltjmyv

We will form a flag line at the funeral home prior to the funeral service and then stand tall and silent in the line as family and guests arrive.  When the service begins we will break down the flag line and prepare for the escort to DFW National Cemetery for the Interment Service.

DFW National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX  75211
214-467-3374

Map - http://tinyurl.com/n53s9e

On arrival at the cemetery big flag bikes will remain with the procession, the rest of the bikes will proceed to the shelter staging area.  The shelter assignment is unknown at this time.  Those not participating in the escort please plan to arrive at the cemetery no later than 12:30 PM.  You can check at the administration building or at the visitor center for the shelter assignment.  We will use the flags in storage at the shelter for this part of the service.

Please be aware of the possibility of blocked entrances to the cemetery.  An entrance that we believe will always be open is the one near the administration building on Mountain Creek Parkway about half way up the hill, approaching Spur 408 and Loop 12.  The Map in this document shows that entrance and not the main entrance we are used to - just in case.

Note:  Please remember that our parking area is now on the main road between shelters A and B.  Funerals are being staged at the administration building and in the area by the lake.  We will park facing up the hill toward shelter A with 2 bikes side by side (parallel parked) as close to the curb and each other as possible so that traffic can get by.  This arrangement keeps the motorcycle and voice noise to a minimum around the <script></script> shelters during the services and appears to meet the needs of the cemetery.  We will assemble in this area and not around the shelters until it is time to move to the shelter to set up for the service.  Exceptions to this parking arrangement are, as always, made for those who have trouble walking to the area.

Weather:  Forecast for Thursday is for a high of 91 degrees with an isolated thunderstorm.

Projected weather forecast (according to weather.com) for Tuesday is for mostly sunny with a high of 90 degrees.  

The flag/water truck will be at all locations.

Safety First:  With warmer weather, please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately.  Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time.  Also please do not forget your sun screen. 

Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated.

Please remember that our mission is to stand tall, silent, and with honor and respect for Walter and his family.

Walter would also want it stressed for everyone to please ride safely.

Respectfully Submitted, <script></script>

George “Snakebit” Raglin

Past Texas State Captain

Dewey “Diehard” Dyer

North Texas Senior Ride Captain