Help Lay Ty “Smiley” Gill to Rest — A Life Gone Too Soon

It is with broken hearts that we share the tragic loss of Ty Gill — lovingly known as Smiley. His life was stolen just six days before his daughter’s 6th birthday. A father, a son, a brother, a friend — Smiley was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his absence has left a void words can’t fill.

Smiley earned his nickname honestly — his joy was infectious. He lit up every room, made everyone laugh, and brought comfort to so many simply by being himself. He touched countless lives across multiple communities, from childhood through adulthood.

He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back — and mean it. He always showed up for his people. He led with kindness, gave moral support without question, and respected everyone he encountered. Even the officers investigating his passing said every single person they interviewed — even strangers — had only good things to say about him.

But above all, Smiley was a devoted father. He was deeply present in his daughter’s life, and nothing mattered more to him than family. His greatest pride was being a dad.

We are raising funds to help cover funeral costs and support the family as they try to navigate this heartbreaking loss. No parent should have to bury their child. No child should have to grow up without their dad. Our Black boys deserve to grow old — to have birthdays, weddings, gray hairs, and grandbabies. Not caskets. Not hashtags. Not memories cut short.

If you can give, please do. If you can’t, please share. Every act of love counts.