Mr. Samuel Gillis

Mr. Samuel Gillis A life well-lived was that of Samuel Gillis (Sam), born June 24, 1940 in Linwood, Alabama with his sun setting on August 24, 2021. In his 81 years, he brought joy and light to those that knew him. His family knew him as caring, devoted, witted, wise and brilliant, all of which contributed to the fullness of his personal relationships and professional achievements. He loved Burger King, Old Granddad, Coca Cola, and his 1967 Chevelle SS. Samuel graduated from Academy Street High School in 1957, followed by a pit stop at Alabama A&M University and degrees from the University of Nebraska and Cal Western University. He had a distinguished military career in the United States Army of 21 years. He retired at the rank of Major, having served his country state-side and overseas in Europe, Korea, and Vietnam. During his military service, Sam met and married Atty, who gave birth to their daughter, Mariam. He instilled in his only beloved child a deep and abiding disappointment in the San Diego Chargers and a respect for guns: gifting her a .380 to match his own when she started law school. After his military service, Sam worked for and retired after 25 years from AT&T in San Diego, California. It was there he nurtured and grew his political awareness as a union member and community organizer, where his daughter took her first steps in a picket line alongside the members of CWA Local 9509. Upon his retirement in 2001, Sam returned to Troy to care for his mother and continue to grow his political acumen in the Alabama Democratic Conference, where he served as county chair, and NAACP. Boy did he love debating. You knew you were in for a treat when he started with "In these United States of America…" Sam told tall tales and enjoyed spirited discussion all over Troy, from the hallways of the county courthouse to the debate forum at Mama Jane's. Sam was an active member of St. Paul AME Church where he continued to work and faithfully serve our Lord as a vocal church trustee and men's ministry member. True to his faith and upbringing, Sam served with a wholehearted belief in God's bounty – as reflected by his extensive lottery ticket collection, none of which were purchased in the state of Alabama. He hated low sodium foods and saddity folks. He loved sugar, Powerball, and his beloved dog Moses. We marvel at the lives he lived; his extensive memory of friends and family from long ago and far away. He could cut a rug, sing a song, and made friends wherever he went. A man of principle who had so many plans for that jackpot he just knew he was going to win: they all involved helping folks out and indeed being his brother's keeper. Which is why he was a Democrat: a rising tide lifts all boats. Unless you voted for George Wallace. Laughter was a guarantee in his presence and no topic was off limits: natural hairstyles, modern fashion, and trap music were all held to account in the courtroom of one Samuel Gillis: a man with no hair and a devotion to Member's Only jackets and the sharpest Sunday attire. He ate slow, talked fast, and always had a joke to share. Sam was preceded in death by his ever-loving parents Henry Grant and Fannie Laura Gillis, his sisters Vera, Mary Lois, and Connie, his brother Theodore, and his wife and Mariam's dear mother, Atty. Grieving our loss of Sam today include his loving daughter Mariam Gillis, his sisters Fannie (Jimmie) King, Vallanda (Lorenza) Baker, Cynthia (Willie) Parker, his brothers Henry Lewis (Gladys), and Elijah (Dora); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,' relatives, and friends. And his favorite friend and trusted companion, Moses. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in Alabama, there will not be a funeral at this time. All are welcome to visitation on Monday, 8/30 11am to 5pm at Grubbs Funeral Home in Troy. Masks are required. The family will host a celebration of Sam's life in Troy sometime next year.

Mr. Samuel Gillis

June 24, 1940 - August 24, 2021

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Mr. Samuel Gillis

June 24, 1940 - August 24, 2021

About Us

Flowers & Gifts

Contact Us

What We Do

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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