Joseph Vernon Gillis' Obituary
Joseph “Pete” Vernon Gillis, age 93, passed peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior with family by his side on May 7, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
He was born on November 8, 1930, to Joseph V. Gillis Sr. and Alma Lee Stegall in Beauregard, Mississippi. At age two, he moved with his family to Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where he lived until he joined the United States Navy at age 18. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Pickering. The two settled in Jackson, Mississippi, where Pete finished his GED, attended Hines Jr. College and Millsaps College, and welcomed two children, Rocky and Tami.
The Gillis family moved to Austin, Texas in 1964 for Pete’s work with the Internal Revenue Service and moved to the neighborhood of Lake Highlands in Dallas in 1975, where they lived until his death. After 31 years of service with the IRS, he worked as a consultant for various federal agencies.
Upon retirement, Pete spent his days enjoying new adventures and making memories with his best friend and beautiful bride of 73 years, Bonnie. Nothing brought Pete more delight than spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom dearly loved their “Gran.”
Remembered as a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Pete’s legacy extends far beyond familial ties. Renowned for his knack for fixing things and meticulous research, Pete’s unwavering generosity, infectious smile, and quick wit endeared him to all who crossed his path. He will truly be missed by all. Though parted from us on earth, Pete lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and we find solace in the belief that we will one day be reunited.
Pete is survived by his wife of 73 years, Bonnie, his two children Joseph Robert “Rocky” Gillis (Cindy), and Tami Trostel (Mike), granddaughters Kristin Mijares (Dan), Paige Long (Cory), Courtney “Alex” Gillis-Gardner (Jessica), Melanie Terrell (Tyler), and Julie Anne Pruden (Eric), and great grandchildren Michelle Mijares, Isabella Mijares, Cole Mijares, Connor Mijares, Fitz Long, Emily Terrell, Everett Long, and Julia Terrell. He is also survived by his sister Jean Vanlandingham of Hazlehurst, Mississippi and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alma Gillis, brother, Hubert Gillis, and sister, Peggy Spruill.
Services will be held at Restland in Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas 75243, on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment to follow.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Faith Presbyterian Hospice Caring Fund. Donations can be made:
By mail
The T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center/Faith Presbyterian Hospice
12477 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75251
Online https://www.forefrontliving.org/donate-now/ or By phone (214) 355-3926
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