David L. Gillis, Petty Officer First Class USN, ret, age 74, formerly of Soperton passed away on Friday evening, July 15, 2022 at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, Georgia.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, he was the eldest of two children and only son born to the late Neil Lee Gillis III and Charlotte Elizabeth Reynolds.  He grew up in Waynesboro, Georgia where he was a graduate of Burke County High School, Class of 1965.  After high school he attended North Georgia Military College in Dahlonega where he earned his Associate of Arts Degree in History and Education.   Afterwards he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict in the DMZ.  He was honorably discharged and settled in Athens, Georgia where he taught Special Needs children in the Clarke County School System for 2-3 years.  While teaching, he attended the University of Georgia earning his Masters Degree in Arts History.  He rejoined the U.S. Military serving as a Medic in the U.S. Navy.  He served on Air Craft Carriers and Destroyers in the Indian Ocean, was deployed to Afghanistan and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning.  He declined the Officer's commission because he chose to serve his fellow comrades as a Medic.  His final assignment was to the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville where he completed his enlistment before being honorably discharged with twenty three years of combined active duty service.  Upon being discharged he came to Soperton and worked at the VA Hospital in Dublin for approximately five years, until his health began to decline.

David was a generous and kind hearted man that gave to others; almost to a fault.  He was funny, forgiving and held his circle of friends close to his heart.

He enjoyed fishing, at Wildwood Lake, and cooking as well as creating and studying art.

Mr. Gillis leaves behind his sister, Joanne G. Eischen (Patrick), Oakwood, GA, his children, Rachel Bryant (J.B.), Jacksonville, FL, Molly Gillis Lassiter (Jared), Live Oak, FL, Jeremy Storey, Richmond, VA, and two grandchildren, Montgomery and Shephard.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from the graveside in the Gillis Family Cemetery, with full military honors.  David will be laid to rest beside his father.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday following the service, at a luncheon to be held at the Soperton Community Center / Club House.

Attendees coming from out of town or anyone unfamiliar with the new route to Gillis Cemetery may gather with family at the funeral home and travel, together, in a procession to the gravesite.  The procession will depart from the funeral home at 12:15 pm.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online quest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME, The Tradition Since 1917, Phone 912-529-4411