Shannon Gillis, 71, of Richmond Hill, Georgia entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 27, 2017 after a battle with cancer.

He was born in Soperton, Georgia to the late Lester and Louise Gillis.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War where he earned several medals including the Bronze Star. He was a former Effingham County Sheriff's Deputy and was a former Chief of Police in Soperton. He also worked a number of years for K Machine in Savannah.

Shannon was an avid fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Dean Handley.

Shannon is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Louise Gillis; two daughters, Sheila Hoselton and Teresa Holt; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Hoselton, Heather Hoselton, Amanda Headrick Adams, Brandon Headrick, Cheri Mueller, Jason Handley, Dixie Handley; nine great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog "Pretty Girl".

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2017 in the Richmond Hill Funeral Home Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Graveside services will follow at 3:00 pm on Saturday, as Mr. Gillis is laid to rest in the Gillis Family Cemetery in Soperton. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Honors Detachment, Fort Stewart, Georgia.