Jace Beck Gill

Jace Beck Gill,13, of Taylor, passed away on Saturday May 16, 2020.

Jace was born on June 27, 2006 in Austin, Texas to Shelley and James Gill. He was welcomed home by his big brother, Parker, whom he loved and looked up to with all his heart. The last addition to the family was Jace’s furry brother, Charlie. One of Parker’s favorite memories is the day they brought Charlie home. Jace was so excited and amazed that they had gotten a puppy and he said - “Is that a real dog? Does Dad know?”

In his early years, Jace could be found in his boots and cowboy hat winning the Taylor Rodeo Mutton Bustin. Jace was an avid fisherman, hunter, and athlete. Jace participated in many different sports such as football, basketball, golf, and baseball. His biggest love was on the  diamond, where he became an exceptional catcher, cleanup batter, and teammate. Jace participated and won many tournaments with his Brewers teammates. Two of his baseball brothers, Nick and Devin, plan to carry on his love of the game by wearing his numbers #2 and  #8 throughout the rest of their baseball careers. He not only enjoyed playing the game; but also loved watching the game, especially his beloved Astros and Aggies. Jace cherished his annual trek to College Station with his “brothers” to watch the Aggie Baseball team and play a few games of pool at the Dixie Chicken. If Jace wasn’t on the baseball fields he was asking his mom to take him to Jody’s where Uncle Nano would take them on a “vuelta” around the ranch, fishing, swimming in the springs, driving the ranch vehicles, or checking cows….They spent a lot of time together and formed a very tight bond!

Jace spent many weekends with his dad learning the skills needed to be a successful fisherman. He finally learned to tie his own knot, but he still needed just a “little” help from Uncle Jeff and Gallo to get out of the trees or with that backlash! He was also known as the “riverbandit” if he noticed someone had a nice catch.  A knotted line or lost fish never stopped him from returning to the tank to catch the next big fish.

In his 13 years, Jace was able to travel and experience many different places. He traveled to San Francisco where he got to watch the Giants play, and see his favorite player, Buster Posey.  Jace also traveled to the Caymans where he paddle boarded and swam with the stingrays.   Other places Jace traveled were Cabo San Lucas and Playa Del Carmen. He never passed up a weekend trip to Houston to visit Uncle D where they would watch an Astros game. Jace loved going to his Uncle D’s and Aunt Joy’s house to play with their cute dogs and also play video games with his cousins.

Jace was a compassionate young man with a huge heart. He was quick-witted and always had an honest opinion that he was willing to share. He lived big and loved even bigger! Many of his classmate’s parents have reached out with stories of how he made a difference in their children’s lives.

Jace is preceded in death by his Grandmother, Becky Gill, and his Uncle Jody Davis.

Survivors include his parents, James and Shelley, his brother, Parker. Uncle Steve (Nano) Belz and Aunt Missy (Ishy); Uncle David (Uncle D) Gill and wife Joy; Cousins Mekal, Ethan, Jody, Mia, and Chip. His grandmother, Linda Sekula (Mimi), who was Jace’s biggest fan and dinner date whenever he was craving a burger; and Grandfathers Ed (Pops) Belz and wife Jan and Jesse (Popo) Gill.

Pallbearers will be Steve Belz, David Gill, Mikal Gill, Jeff Jansky, Kyle Maruska, Justin Moldenhour, Joe Lechler, Eddie Ferguson, David Hortenstine, and Ross Nieschwitz.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Brewer’s teammates, long time friends and cousins.

Visitation will be at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Rosary will follow. Mass will be held Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor. Burial will be in Pleasanton, Texas at St. Andrews #1 cemetery at 1:00 pm Friday, May 22, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jace Beck Gill Memorial Fund at City National Bank of Taylor, Texas.