Gaillard Ellison Mende, Sr.,

Gaillard Ellison Mende, Sr., of Cumming, GA, 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 later moved to Atlanta where he resided the rest of his life.

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. He married Gloria Jeanne Tomlin in July of 1948 and they had three children.

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 honorably discharged in June of 1956.

Gill spent his career as a salesman and was a co-owner of Saccone's, 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) of the home, Cynthia Mende King of Columbia,SC, David D. Mende, their mother, Toni Mende Walser and three granddaughters, Kathleen, Emma and Katherine.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home of his son, Gill Mende, Jr..

Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an Animal Advocacy Group to honor Gill's great love of animals. Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. (678) 455-5815.