THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 27, 1995 TAG: 9512230151
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
People who pass by the 58th Street area might know Barney Gill as the ``crazy old fool'' who climbs up on his four-story North End house in blowing, frigid weather to decorate a rooftop Christmas tree.
But a lot of people know of Gill for another reason. ``Everybody knows me for scoring the first touchdown in the first Oyster Bowl game . . . Well the older people at least know me for that,'' says Gill.
Gill himself will never forget that day. It was Dec. 6, 1946, and Granby High School played a high school team from Clifton, N.J., and won 6-0. ``I scored that touchdown and I've never been able to live it down. That's what everyone knows me for.''
Full name: Bernard Aloysius Gill Jr.
Hometown: Norfolk.
What brought you to the Beach? Lifeguard job at the old Surf Beach club in 1947.
Birthdate: Sept. 27, 1927.
Occupation: Retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Airborne Rangers and Special Forces.
Nickname: Barney.
Marital status: Married to a Georgia peach named Nancy for more than 25 years. Married in Bangkok, Thailand.
Children: Cathy Smith (Teacher of the Year at Linkhorn Park), Nancy Smith Bunin (recently married), Eddie Smith (personal trainer in New Jersey), Jimmie Smith (Secret Service), Barney III (assistant manager of the Sugar Plum Bakery).
What is your idea of a perfect day off? When you're retired, every day is a day off.
Last smart thing you did: Had both knees replaced by Dr. Louis Jordan.
Last dumb thing you did: Put a Christmas tree on my roof with 30-degree temperature and 30- to 40-knot wind gusts.
Favorite meal: Most anything by my wife. Especially Italian.
Favorite movies: ``Le Mans'' with Steve McQueen and ``Platoon'' about the Vietnam war.
Favorite song: ``Segue in C,'' combined Count Basie and Duke Ellington Band, ``Hey Jude,'' by the Beatles, anything Sinatra, Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan.
Last book read: ``Back Fire'' by Roger Warner. It was about the secret war in Laos, which I participated in, but never understood.
Hobbies: Music collection - jazz, big band, Sinatra, etc. Physical fitness - Wareings at the Beach.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd try to be a little more tolerant of other people.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? I would like to convince her to retire and spend more perfect days off with me.
Secret vice: Beefeater martinis (Drink more than one, you're a damn fool. Drink more than two, you're an alcoholic.)
Favorite restaurant: Coastal Grill, Five 01 City Grill, Coque Hardi Auberge in St. Germaine en Laye, France.
Your favorite night on the town: Drinks and music with friends, visit a favorite restaurant, go somewhere for a little beach shuffle (shag).
Favorite TV shows: Pro football, formula one racing.
Favorite sport: Football, motor sports.
Last vacation: St. Augustine Beach, Fla., to celebrate 25th wedding anniversary.
Pets: Had 'em all including a pit bull. None at present.
Worst job: Plumber's helper.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Coached football at West Point under Red Blaike for five years including last undefeated year in 1958. Scored the first touchdown in the first Oyster Bowl. Played first string football and basketball at University of Virginia, selected as first string running back on 50th anniversary All Tidewater Football Team.
What would you like as your epitaph? He came with nothing. He had it all. He left with nothing. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB