Eric Gill was born on May 15, 1929 to Antoinette and Ivan Gill in Belize City, Belize (formerly British Honduras). Eric was the fourth of nine children born to the union of Ivan and Antoinette. He attended Wesley Primary School and took evening classes at St. John's Primary School. He was a popular figure not only in Belize City and the Belize District but also the entire country, having been chosen and playing for the Belize National Football Team several times. Eric, affectionately nicknamed "Rico," was known amongst his family and friends for his pleasant demeanor, humor, and deep sense of love and commitment to those he was close to. Eric moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1954 and established a new life for himself, initially gaining employment in the Windy City as a railroad worker for Pullman Standard and eventually owning Rico's Auto Shop on the city's far South Side. Rico is warmly remembered by many Belizeans for his tireless assistance to them as they emigrated to Chicago and has a special place in the Chicago Belizean community for this integral role in their lives. One could always find him sitting outside of his car garage in the early afternoon greeting passers-by and having vibrant, impassioned conversations with his friends about everything from football (soccer) to the World Wars. He was extremely intelligent, insightful, and truly a joy to be around.

In 2006, Eric rededicated himself to the Christian roots of his Methodist family heritage when he joined and faithfully attended Wheaton Christian Center Church, founded by his brother-in-law Pastor Carlton R. Arthur s . Going to church and worshipping was an anticipated treasure of his week, and members lovingly referred to him as "Mr. Gill." His presence at Wheaton Christian Center added a unique ounce of color, character, and hilarity to the congregation, and he was sorely missed when complications with his health made it impossible for him to travel outside of Symphony Nursing Home on Chicago's South Side, where he spent his last days of this life.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Antoinette Gill; sisters Louise Gill and Maize Guild, brother Reverend Harald Gill; nephews Randolph Guild, Collin Arnold, Norris and Kevin Thompson and Norman Gill Jr. He will be funeralized with his "Irish Twin", Olga Gill, who followed her big brother into eternity, just two days after on June 17, 2020.

On Monday, June 15, 2020, Eric passed into the other realm, surrounded by the love of his family and friends from near and abroad. He is survived by his son Kyle, sister Florence Thom p son, brother Norman Gill, sister Sheila (Pastor Carlton Arthurs Arthurs ) , brother Eustace Gill, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. One of our brightest lights appears darkened, but now illuminates at its highest brilliance each time we think of the indelible wonder that was and will always be Eric Gill.