Gaillard Ellison Mende

.Gaillard Ellison Mende, Sr. 82,

Gaillard Ellison Mende, Sr., of Cumming, died on Friday, February 25, 2011. The son of Katharine Ellison Mende and George Robert Mende Sr., he was born December 30, 1928 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mr. Mende, known to all as Gill, spent his childhood in Winnsboro, South Carolina and moved to Atlanta at the age of 11.

He graduated from North Fulton high school where he was Co-Captain of the football team and attended Georgia Tech on a football scholarship. He completed his education at Emory University.

In June of 1948 he enlisted in the Air Force through the Georgia Air National Guard. He served his country as an Air Force fighter pilot and was discharged in June of 1956.

Gill spent his career as a salesman and was a co-owner of Saccones, a popular Buckhead restaurant. He was a member of the Buckhead Boys and had many friends throughout the Atlanta area.

Survivors include his brother, George R. Mende, his children, Gill E. Mende Jr. (Linda), Cynthia Mende King, David D. Mende, their mother, Toni Mende Walser and three granddaughters, Kathleen, Emma and Katherine.

There will be an Open House Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Cumming, GA. For information call Gill Mende Jr. at 770-781-4386. 1815 Habersham Trace, Cumming, Georgia 30041.

There will be a private burial celebration for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The American Red Cross or an Animal Advocacy Group to honor Gills great love of animals.

Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, a Veterans Family & Memorial Care Provider are in charge of the arrangements. (678) 455-5815.