Earl Gattis, a native of Huntsville, passed peacefully Feb. 10 at home surrounded by his wife Anne and his family. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Anne Worley Gattis; daughters, Carolyn Francisco (Jerry), and Susan Turner; grandson, Eric Turner; brother, Paul Gattis (Peggy); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
As a WWII Navy radioman, Earl served on two ships in the Pacific campaign. Upon discharge, he returned to Huntsville to begin his life with Anne and a career with the Army installation on Redstone Arsenal. In addition to his career on Redstone, Earl built many custom homes as a general contractor in the 1960s. He retired as Director of Security for the US Army Missile Command Research Center.
Earl thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends going golfing, bowling, fishing, and garage shopping. In the 1970’s, he coached numerous girls’ softball teams and was a driving force using Title IX to establish girls’ athletics in the Huntsville City School system.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00, Saturday, Feb 13, at Maple Hill Cemetery, with Earl’s cousin, the Reverend Charles Gattis officiating.
Earl dearly loved his grand dog Sam and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local animal rescue group (e.g. Friends of Retriever Inc – FOR, A New Leash on Life – ANOL)
