N. Gillis Cammack, III

Published 10:34 am Monday, May 13, 2013

N. Gillis Cammack, III, lifelong resident of Selma, died May 9, 2013 at Vaughn Regional Hospital. Mr. Cammack was born June 20, 1924 to the late N. Gillis Cammack, Jr. and Carrilea Thomas Cammack.

He was a graduate of Parrish High School where he lettered in basketball and football. After completion of his freshman year at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University), he entered the Air Force and became a pilot of the 27th Fighter Bomber Group, where he flew 93 combat missions.

He was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters. Later, he achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.

After his military service, Mr. Cammack returned to Auburn where he was elected president of Student Government Association and Kappa Alpha Fraternity before graduating in mechanical engineering in 1949. He will also be remembered for “burying the hatchet” which ended many years of animosity between Alabama and Auburn allowing the Iron Bowl to resume.

In June of 1949, Mr. Cammack married Patricia Ann Bridges of Bessemer, Alabama. They lived for three years in Detroit while he was employed by Ford Motor Company before returning to Selma to join Auto Parts Company with his father and brother. They were partners in this business from 1954 to 1993. Mr. and Mrs. Cammack raised three daughters who were also Auburn University graduates.

Mr. Cammack enjoyed traveling, attending Auburn University football games, and flying his own plane.

He is survived by Sister Emily Cammack Morton, Brother Charles Thomas Cammack, daughter Kim Cogle (Kevin), grandchildren Bridges Mitchell Swift (Will), Christopher James Littleford, Carrilea Cammack Littleford, Robert Gillis Cogle, Brandon Thomas Cogle, Mackenzie Lea Cogle and great-grandchildren Grace Ann Swift and Elizabeth Lea Swift. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia Bridges Cammack and daughters Ann Cammack Mitchell and Nancy Cammack Littleford.

The visitation will be Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Lawrence Funeral Home from 5:00 -7:00pm.

Funeral services will be Monday, May 13, 2013 at Church Street Methodist Church at 2:00pm with Rev. Walton Jones and Rev. Reba Wiley officiating and Lawrence Brown Service directing.

Pallbearers are grandsons and nephews, Chris Littleford, Robbie Cogle, Brandon Cogle, Will Swift, Tom Cammack and Chase Cammack. Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Cogle, Ben Irvin, Scott Cammack, Camm Morton, Rick Morton, Roger Mitchell, and Jim Littleford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to YMCA of Selma or Honor Flight, Inc.(300 E. Auburn Ave, Springfield, OH 45505) or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.lawrencebrownservice.com to make online condolences to the family.