Steve, as he was known by all, went to his Heavenly home in the early morning hours of April 13th. A heart attack, for a man who had never been sick or had a health issue.
Steve and his wife Pamela (Johnson) Gillis moved from Crystal Lake, IL to Fairfield Glade TN in January 2020 finally retiring after too many years of working and traveling on business. Pamela had a business selling natural supplements and HBA products to the health food store industry, in the Midwest. Steve joined her business and for his last 20 years of work, traveled extensively, covering WI, MN, and the Dakotas. All who he sold to, or met, loved his spirit and smile.
And his singing. Did I add that while in IL, he was a valued member of Voices in Harmony, the esteemed vocal choir in McHenry County and surrounding area. After moving to Fairfield Glade, Steve discovered karaoke, and loved to perform for that.
Steve was proceeded in death by his parents Chester and Mary Gillis. He leaves behind his wife, Pamela, his two favorite felines, Elsa, and Blackie, and his three grown children from a prior marriage. David Gillis, Dawn and Matthew and Annette, from Rockford, IL; Stephanie Gillis from Rochelle, IL, and Jennifer Van Ostrand and Matt with their children Aiden and Asher, of Sun Prairie, WI.
Steve’s sister and family, Mary Jo Metzger, and Marvin, of Rochelle, IL, and his brother Mark Gillis of Rochelle, IL., plus their children and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many of the Gillis family.
After moving to Crossville, Steve enjoyed playing golf, including Winter golf, playing bridge, and most of all singing. He first had joined the local Cumberland County choral group, and while that has been suspended, he found every place to sign karaoke locally. His voice was always one of the best, and that was his primary passion.
Steve and Pam attended Cumberland Fellowship Church and were active in a men’s Bible study and a couples Bible study, further enriching their life here in this wonderful new home.
He was also a supporter of the arts, charities, Compassion child support, and will be missed by his many friends and family.
A memorial service will be held on April 23rd at 1pm at Crossville Memorial funeral home, 2653 North Main St. Crossville, TN.
Please keep your memories of him close to your hearts so that one day you may share them again with him.
I was so sorry to hear about Steve. My condolences to Pamela and all of the Gillis families. The last time I saw Steve was in 2018 when he came to my brother’s visitation—Art Erickson.
I have fond memories of the Gillis family. My heart goes out to each of you.
Pam,
Our deepest condolences for our friend. Thankfully, we spent time over Christmas together. God bless.
Ken and Justine Johnson
I always enjoyed playing golf with Steve. Connie and I enjoyed seeing him and talking with him at NIU basketball games.