Merci D. Gammill's Obituary
September 24, 1919- March 21, 2024
Marci Gammill passed away peacefully at her home on March 21, 2024. She was born in Yoakum, Texas on September 24, 1919. As a child she often picked cotton in the fields around Yoakum. She graduated from high school there in 1926. She loved sports and played baseball. In 1934 she met her future husband, Evan D. Gammill, who played baseball for the army team at Ft. Sam Houston. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Joyce in 1943 and Patrick in 1946. She pushed her reluctant husband to go to Officers Candidate school and he emerged from the war as a Lt. Colonel.
While stationed in Japan with her husband, she took up the game of golf. It became a passion. She played for the amateur Championship of Dallas in the early 1950’s and repeatedly defeated higher ranked and more experienced players. As with many others, the strain of war left a mark on her marriage. “He wasn't the same when he came back.” She divorced Evan in 1956. Merci was left with two children and no income. As with baseball and golf, she was determined to succeed. She took up sales, in 1961 at the 13th Annual Distinguished Salesmans Award Banquet honoring the top salesman from various companies she was honored as one of the top 28, the only woman among 27 men.
“During the two- and one-half years that Mrs. Gammill has worked with us, she has helped more families make their pre-need funeral arrangements than any other counselor. Her sincerity and loyalty to both her customers and her company is an inspiration ...She sincerely deserves this honor as Restland’s outstanding sales counselor...”
From Restland Merci would move to Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Co. Where she would consistently be the outstanding sales representative in the Dallas area. Merci cared about people. She never sold them what they didn't need and when they required help, she was always there. Those who bought policies from Merci kept those policies. She had the highest retention rate of policy holders in Dallas.
For her children too she was always there. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren seven great- great- great grandchildren.
Caring, compassion and integrity- that was Merci.
What’s your fondest memory of Merci?
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Share a story where Merci's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Merci you’ll never forget.
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