Elmer Marcellus "Ninky" Gatton, Jr., 68, of Hollywood, MD, passed away January 28, 2011 in St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born May 7, 1942 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Elmer Marcellus and Abbie Lorraine Morgan Gatton, Sr.

Mr. Gatton was the husband of Linda Mae Bussler Gatton whom he married on November 9, 1963 in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Compton, MD. He is also survived by his children; Jackie Marcellus Gatton (Fiancée Donna Spalding) of Mechanicsville, MD, Joseph Terry Gatton, Sr. and Susan Leigh Clements (Daniel L.) both of Hollywood, MD, and one grandson Joseph Terry Gatton, Jr., as well as his siblings; Steve Gatton (Ruth Ann), Judy Howard (Steve), Frances Gatton, and Jo Ann Demko (Vic) all of Hollywood, MD and Diane Whittle (Ron) of Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his siblings; Jackie Gatton and June Gatton.

Ninky was born into a large family farm operation of the old country ways, holding true to family traditions of generations passed. He was proud to work a long side his father, farming, and also learning welding, mechanics and carpentry. Ninky was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County and attended Leonardtown High School. In the late 1950's Ninky was a member of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a certified diver and waterman. His greatest love was spending time on the on the Patuxent River and Sotterley Creek. He began his apprenticeship in the HVAC industry in the mid 1960's, serving a dedicated 40 plus years before his retirement, developing many long term clients and friendships. Ninky enjoyed being part of his large family, telling tales of pranks with his brother, sisters and cousins. He also enjoyed reminiscing of his favorite car, a 1956 Crown Victoria, which he named Little Devil. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, gardening and growing the largest vegetables and roses possible. Ninky was a free spirited and giving man who enjoyed good laughs and jokes. He treasured time and conversations with his local waterman buddies and most of all he loved his wife, children, grandson and his large family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where a funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Fr. Joe Dobson officiating.

Interment will remain private.

Contributions in memory of Elmer Marcellus "Ninky" Gatton, Jr. can be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.