GAINESVILLE - A man who was a partner in one of the oldest and largest law firms in Gainesville prior to his retirement has died.<br />
<br />
William R. "Bill" Gignilliat, Jr., 90, died Saturday following an extended illness.<br />
<br />
A native of Savannah, Gignilliat moved to Gainesville in 1950 to join his friend, James A. "Bubba" Dunlap's, law firm. The firm's name was later changed to Whelchel, Dunlap and Gignilliat. Gignilliat's involvement with the firm included offering the community its first public housing authority and helping to advance the growth of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association. <br />
<br />
Active in church and civic affairs, he became personally involved with the spiritual growth of Grace Episcopal Church through its lay witness movement. In addition he served several terms on the Church Vestry and taught Sunday School in the morning and led services for young people in the evening. Gignilliat was involved with several local non-profit organizations; in particular, he was devoted for a number of years to Good News at Noon. <br />
<br />
Memorial services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m.<br />
<br />
(A complete obituary is on the Obituaries Page on this Web site.)<br />
<br />
<br />
