Mr. Howard Edward Gillis, age 81 of Vidalia passed away on Wednesday afternoon October 23, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital at St. Joseph's Candler in Savannah.

Born in Treutlen County, Mr. Gillis had worked in various jobs to include with Gillis Family in their Pulpwood business and the State Highway Department; the Broom Factory in Soperton, the tobacco warehouse in Vidalia before working and retiring from the TRUEX saw mill in Lyons.

Mr. Gillis was a lifelong musician, writing and performing at many local festivals, church homecomings and family events. During his years performing he became known as the "Drifting Cowboy".

Mr. Gillis was a member at Calvary Way in Lyons, GA and had attended Hebron Holiness Church in Soperton, GA..

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Avon Gillis.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Clarisa Coleman Gillis, children, Jerry Bird (Evie), Soperton, GA, Douglas Gillis, Vidalia, GA, Carol McCumbers (Shelley), Lyons, GA, Tammy Vaughn (Jimmy), Lyons, GA, Sharon Palmer, Normantown, GA, brothers, Melvin Phillips (Jane), Ringgold, GA, Eddie Phillips (Judy), Normantown, GA, Mearlene Hullender, Petrose Community, Betty Lindsey, Normantown, GA and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 26, 2019 in the Williams Chapel of Sammons Funeral Home.

Mr. Gillis will be laid to rest in the Beasley Cemetery.

His family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the funeral home.