Paul Robert Giller's Obituary
Giller – Paul Robert, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born August 31, 1937 in Dallas, TX, the son of Elmer and Beckie (Seltzer) Giller.
Paul celebrated Bar Mitzvah in August of 1950. Upon entering North Dallas High School (NDHS), he joined the ROTC and ran track. Paul spent his Sophomore and Junior years of high school at Allen Military Academy in Bryan, Texas and was a member of the Rifle Team. He returned to NDHS to complete his Senior year and continued his affiliation with the ROTC as a Captain. Paul graduated in 1956, enlisted in the Army, and was discharged as a Private 2nd class.
Paul met Marjorie Gilmore in high school, and she knew him as the new guy who had come from a Military Academy, wore the uniform of a Captain in the ROTC, and drove a white Corvette. Her sister, Beverly, was in Paul’s chemistry class and she facilitated their introduction after a football game in 1955, and shortly thereafter they started dating. Paul and Marjorie married on December 5, 1958 and began building their family.
Paul worked from 1956 to 1984 as a salesman in the family business, Giller Auto Parts Co. in Dallas, TX, which was opened in 1932 by his father, and was said to be the first auto parts store in Dallas. In 1984, he became sole owner of the store until its doors closed in 1993 after 61 years. His sense of civic duty led Paul to join the Dallas Police Reserves in 1962 where he served for 20 years, until he left as a Captain in 1981.
Paul loved being a part of two big families, honoring both Jewish and Christian traditions, and never missed a special event or milestone for his three girls or five grandkids. His girls, younger cousins, nieces and nephews will always remember him as “the Tickle Monster”. He was very sociable and never met a stranger or forgot a face. Paul was highly involved in several activities during his life: bowling, fishing, coin-collecting, photography, serving as President of the Robson Ranch Woodshop, Rough Riders baseball outings, racketball and pickleball, fixin’ up old cars and drag racing. When he wanted to relax a bit, he would play with his dogs, bird watch, have game nights with friends, cook, and travel with Marjorie. Paul will be remembered for his outgoing personality, crazy sense of humor, knack for silliness, compassion for others,...and love of life.
Paul will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Marjorie, of 65 years; daughters and spouses: Cathy and Lyle Clark, Carla and Louis Szabo, and Cheri Giller; grandchildren: Steven Clark, Shelby and Ethan Szabo, and Logan and Marlee Giller, as well as many family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Beckie Giller, brother and sister-in-law Sam and Sheila Giller, and sister Aylene “Sissy” Cohen.
A graveside service to commemorate Paul’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on March 31, 2023 at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75243, followed by a brief reception on-site. Please feel free to share your memories and stories.
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