Rodriguez Gills

The death of Rodriguez A. Gills, at Kent General Hospital on Wednesday April 20, 2016, leaves a vacant place in our midst and a lasting sorrow in our hearts. Ricky or Rod, as he was affectionately called, was born on October 1, 1955 and was the second of five children born to Arnice and the late Otis Gills. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Tershia Gills. Ricky was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School systems. His early passion was cooking, obtaining several culinary certifications and degrees. Ricky obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin; Associate degree of Applied Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Associate of Applied Science in Hotel and Restaurant Cookery, both from Fox Valley Technical Institute. He received a Fireman and Oiler Endorsement Undergraduate for 3rd Engineer; School of Harry Lundeberg, School of Seamanship. He received several awards to include a Gold Medal Award for his 5 Layer Wedding Cake and a Silver Medal Award for Pulled Sugar. Ricky’s religious foundation was received at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Becoming a member at an early age, he was a member of the youth choir. Ricky had a great appreciation for sharing his creative natural abilities in the kitchen. He shared his cooking and baking skills and talents with numerous restaurants including: Head Cook and Assistant Stewart for Long Line International, Part-time Chef at the Kennedy Center, Harbour Town Resort at St. Michaels and numerous other resorts and golf clubs on the Eastern Shore and Delaware. He mixed his love for the water with his passion for cooking, sharing his talents on several major cruise lines and private yachts, travelling as far as Russia. He was never too busy to cater events for family and friends. Ricky’s most cherished pastime included spending time with his children, extended family and friends. His hobbies included sailing, fishing, crabbing, racket ball, creative cooking and gardening. Ricky had a special admiration and love for all animals, especially Patches, Pup Pup and Cujo. He was often referred to as the “Dog Whisperer”. Those who will cherish his memories include his two daughters, Yamenah Arnice Gills (Columbia, MD) and Ursula Tamara Gills (Glen Burnie, MD) and also Lakia D. Trotter (Stone Mountain, GA), whom he loved and raised as his own; two sisters, Kendra Coker (Harry) and Tyrol Gills; two brothers, Otis Perkins (Valarie) of Arizona and Gregory Gills (Vivian) of Glen Burnie, MD; eight grandchildren, Dametrius Latimer, Emani Queen, Kishuna Carter, Haven, Tyler, Kyleigh, Cohen, and Camren Hall; two great-grandchildren, Jace and Liam; aunts, Janet Simms (Clifford) and Betty Kersey; uncles, James Booth and Michael Booth (Phylistine); and a host of cousins and nieces. He also leaves being faithful friends who will miss him, Keith Twyman and Larry Silvils. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodriguez Gills, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Rodriguez Gills

October 1, 1955 - April 20, 2016