R. Gil Wingate

Reginald "Gil" Gilbert Wingate (94)

Gil Wingate was born on 5/21/26 in St. Petersburg, FL to Ed and Susie Wingate. He was raised with his brother and 5 sisters in Clearwater, FL. After graduating from Clearwater High School, he served on the USS Strickland in the Navy during WWII. After being discharged, he settled in Clearwater, FL where he met Virginia Mole. After they married, they settled in St. Petersburg, FL and raised their 3 daughters there.

Gil was the proud owner of his successful business, Gil Wingate Painting, from which he retired after over 40 years. He loved his church, always serving in any capacity as usher, deacon or elder. He was often volunteering his painting skills to church projects as well. He delivered Meals on Wheels into his 90's. Gil was loved by his family and friends for his sense of humor, kind and considerate heart and his love of his Lord.

He is survived by 3 daughters; Lane Cocca (Tarpon Springs, FL), Karen Henshaw (Deaver, WY) and Gilda Kelly (St. Petersburg, FL); 1 granddaughter, Stephanie Holloway (CO); 3 sisters; Sylvia Crouse, Bobbie Scott and Katherine Tillman; 2 son-in-laws, John Cocca and John Henshaw.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and wives; Virginia Wingate (mother of children), Helen Wingate and Sarah Wingate; siblings, Betty Dickey, Ed Wingate, and Willodine O'Neal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Suncoast Hospice (Suncoast Hospice Care Center North, 164 West Lake Rd. Palm Harbor, FL 34684). A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 12, 2020 at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Pastor Mackay Smith officiating. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2:00 p.m. following the service.