With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Charles Gillis, beloved husband to Ellen Kay Gillis (England), with whom he shared 64 wonderful years together.
He was also a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Our Charlie passed away at home, surrounded by many loved ones, on November 13, 2024.
Born on March 17, 1938, in Dexter, Missouri, to Eva Gertrude and Charles Wiley Gillis, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marlene Gillis and Patricia Turner.
After graduating in 1957 from Waterford Township High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, he pursued his love of basketball at Northwest Missouri State University. His athleticism also led him to try out as a southpaw pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. As a dedicated bowler, Charlie achieved three perfect 300 games and an outstanding 823 series. Together with his wife, Ellen,
Charlie enjoyed many years on the golf course, competing in leagues at Oxford Hills, where they won several championships, made three hole-in-ones, and took pride in watching their son Tom on the PGA Tour.
In 1960, Charlie married the love of his life, Ellen Kay, and together, they built a beautiful life and family filled with laughter, adventures, and boundless love. Their beautiful love story blessed them with three children: Ed (Jan) Gillis, Gaye (Dave) Luch, and Tom (Jenny) Gillis, who all admired him as both a father and a role model. He was a proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren, James (Melissa), Lindsey, Hannah, Rebecca (Chris), Matthew, Emily, Christina (Ben), Trevor, and Aubrey- and four great-grandchildren, Josh, Ava, Adam, and Camille.
Charlie dedicated over 30 years to his career at General Motors, yet his passions extended well beyond his work. He was a devoted Detroit sports fan and proudly cheered on the University of Michigan Wolverines. Family vacations to national parks, beach getaways, celebrations on Lake Orion for the Fourth of July, and family birthdays created countless memories.
The love for his family and friends will live on in those who knew him. Charlie’s kindness, dry humor, love for Jesus, and unwavering support for his loved ones left behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.
A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4 p.m. at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion. The family received friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. In place of flowers, the family asks for donations to McLaren Hospice Care or your local Hospice. Online Donation To The McLaren Oakland Foundation.