William Poindexter Gemmell

William Poindexter Gemmell, age 82, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Smithfield Manor Nursing & Rehab Center in Smithfield. Will was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on June 5, 1943 to the late John Gemmell Sr, and Mildred Poindexter Gemmell.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lydia Taylor Gemmell, brothers; John Gemmell Jr., and Zachary Lewis Gemmell as well as his cousin, William Green Poindexter.

In 1949, his family moved to Fredericksburg, VA, where he started school at Lafayette School. In 1950, they moved to Wilmington, NC, where he grew up. Will was an avid golfer and hunter. He was a member of the New Hanover High School Golf Team. In 1954, at age 11, he won the Wilmington City Junior 2^nd flight championship. Will enjoyed living at the beach and even served as a life guard at Wrightsville Beach for several years. He was a graduate of the very first 4-year class of Wilmington College and a member of the Sea Hawk Golf Team. He was also a founding member of the first fraternity on campus “Siga Phi Kappa” which eventually became TKE.

Will served six years in the United States National Guard and was called out on two separate occasions for riot control. After graduation, Will was hired by the Muller Macaroni Company as a sales agent. Later, the company was purchased by Best Foods Corporation and Will was promoted to regional sales manager. He then transferred to Charlotte where he worked until retirement. He was offered a higher position at the company’s home office in Chicago but he declined. Will said the money from his raise would have to be spent on fur coats and pistols to survive the conditions. His humor and contagious laughter will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his twin brother, Andrew H. Gemmell of Smithfield, nephew, John Tyler Gemmell, niece, Meg Gemmell, great-niece, Wren Sperry, great-nephew, Van Sperry, cousins, Scott Poindexter, (Sis), Melinda Poindexter, Robert Poindexter (Allison) and Fred Jones Poindexter (Dotti) all of Mississippi Delta Area.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10:30a.m.  in Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, NC with military honors.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Johnston County Animal Shelter at 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC, 27577. Please make checks payable to Friends of Johnston County Animal Services, memo- Will Gemmell.