- Date Of Birth: September 1, 1936
- Date Of Death: July 10, 2013
- State: Illinois
Donald E. “Gilly” Gillis Sr., 76, of rural Jacksonville, IL died Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the Richard Owens OSF Hospice House in Peoria, IL.
He was born September 1, 1936 in Morgan County, IL; the son of Clifford Sr. and Irene Cannon Gillis. He married Esta Stewart on October 24, 1958 in Jacksonville and she survives.
He is also survived by a son, Donny Gillis Jr. (wife, Annette) of Jacksonville; a daughter, Kathy Gillis of Winchester; five grandchildren, Makenzi Crouse (husband, Charles) of Ft. Myers, FL, Afton Gillis of Ft. Myers, FL, Payton Gillis (companion, Laryssa Edwards) of Chesterfield, MO, Tanner Gillis of Jacksonville, and Corey Brogdon of Jacksonville; two sisters, Pauline Shryock and Mary Flowers, both of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Barbara Mitchell; and three brothers, Charles, Clifford Jr., and William Gillis.
A 1955 graduate of Jacksonville High School, Don enjoyed a lengthy career in retail grocery management with Kroger, Jim’s Big Value and Aldi Foods. Following his retirement, he continued to assist with maintenance at the local Aldi store.
“Gilly” will be remembered best for his engaging personality, his ever present smile, and his keen sense of humor. He enjoyed attending sporting events, cheering for his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.
He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and raising his beloved beagles. He was the “self proclaimed” world’s greatest dancer but never seemed to attain the same title as a golfer. Nonetheless, Gilly enjoyed dancing, golfing, and living life to the fullest. Yet his greatest joy was time spent with his family.
