WILMINGTON — Tracy Lee Gill, 67, of Wilmington, NC died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a brief and brave fight with stage 4 melanoma.
Tracy was born on December 12, 1958, in Raleigh, NC to the late Merrion Douglas Gill and Edna Earl Gill (née Farlow).
Tracy grew up in Raleigh, NC and lived briefly in Muncie, IN, Pittsburgh, PA, and Charlotte, NC. He attended college at Winthrop University and graduated from Wingate University in 1980 with his associate degree. He then moved to Wrightsville Beach, NC, where he met his future wife, Alice; they married in 1989. He opened Yogurt, Etc. in several locations throughout Wilmington. In the early 90s, he opened Charlotte’s Uptown Eatery in downtown Wilmington on Front St., which he owned for several years. Then, because of his love for gardening he started his own landscaping business, Gill-T Landscape and Maintenance, which he operated until his retirement in 2023. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing pickleball, sitting outside with his dogs, and spending time with his family.
Tracy loved the outdoors and liked to be on the water or skiing in the snow. He enjoyed turning a forested property in Currie, NC (“The Country”) into his outdoor paradise with trails, campfires, and a cabin. He would visit multiple times per week to ride his four-wheelers and dirt bikes, work the land, target shoot, and enjoy food and camaraderie around campfires with friends and family. He loved to grill, even when the weather was cold outside. When the weather turned warm, he would spend hours picking blueberries from his bushes and would share them generously with others.
Tracy enjoyed supporting his kids’ interests over the years, going to many softball tournaments, coaching soccer teams, attending Boy Scout meetings and camping trips, and watching many band and orchestra concerts. His interest in his family’s activities continued with watching many sports games and dance performances by his granddaughters. He loved watching Bluey with them when they would visit. Each Saturday, he enjoyed going to Jimbo’s and estate sales with Alice. They also enjoyed watching Jeopardy together.
Tracy is survived by his wife of 36 years, Alice Gill (née Kourey); daughter Charlotte Hudson and her husband Ryan Hudson of Wilmington, NC; son Tanner Gill of Wilmington, NC; sister Paula Dayvault and her husband Steve Dayvault of Wilmington, NC; and granddaughters Reagan, Parker, and Hayden Hudson (who lovingly called him “Pop Pop”). Tracy is also survived by many wonderful friends. He regrets to leave behind his beloved dogs Copper and Mako. He looks forward to seeing his pets who have crossed over the rainbow already– cat Trouble and dogs Sinbad, Jasmine, Digger, and Jasper.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Andrew Schreiber and staff at the Novant Zimmer Cancer Center for their care, compassion, and expertise during Tracy’s illness as well as the many doctors and nurses at Novant Health NHRMC during his hospital stays and with end-of-life care. Additionally, the family is thankful for the many friends who called, visited, and lifted Tracy up in prayer during this time.
A service celebrating and remembering Tracy’s life will be held at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, 2606 Newkirk Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28412 on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Aaron Doll presiding. Family will accept visitors one hour prior to the service, and a light luncheon will be provided after the service in Jennings Hall at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church.
Tracy will be cremated and privately interred at a later date. Some of his ashes will be spread at his property and romping grounds in Currie, NC. A marker will be placed at his family plot in Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC.
In lieu of flowers, Tracy asks that if you are both willing and able that you would make memorial donations of your time and/or money to Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, The American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
