Walter Gustavus Bevill was born in McKinley, Alabama, January 4, 1851, and died in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 26, 1933.
In passing of this good man, the Church has lost a faithful servant, his wife a devoted husband, and his children a kind and loving father.
For many years he lived in Choctaw County, Alabama, where he and his first wife, who was Miss Fannie Marks (Frances Laurinda Marks), inspired and bore the large share of the burden of building the Pelham Methodist Church. After her death he married Mrs. Z. E. Willams. (Zillah Eran Gilder Willams) and later moved to Jackson, Alabama, where he married Mrs. Alice Clark (Alice Cowan Clarke). After a time he move to Mobile, Alabama.
He was truly a co-laborer with his pastor at each of these places. His home was ever the home of the preacher, he was always liberal to the Church, and no task for the Church wa too irksome to perform.
In his long life, he necessarily employed many to carry on his extensive commercial interests, and "Uncle Gus", as he was lovingly called, was held in he highest esteem by all.
Having been reared during the Civil War and reconstruction days, he was denied the privileges of an education, as the term is commonly understood, but having an unusually bright and inquiring mind, he was well informed man along numerous lines. He loved to study, and acquired a vast store of information rarely found in those who have had every advantage.
In addition to his piety, he possessed other other characteracteristics that might well be emulated -- his absolute honesty, truthfulness, and lack of hypocrisy were especially noteworthy.
When the summons came, he had set his spiritual house in order and was ready to answer the Master's call, as he repeatedly expressed his desire to go. His only regret was leaving his feeble wife behind. A good man is gone. May God comfort his bereaved wife, six children and numerous grand children who survive him.