Homegoing of Don Gillis

On behalf of Mother, my brother Tim, and I, we would like to thank you for your prayers and support at this time.  Daddy died peacefully in our arms after a long life in God's service, and is with our Lord now-- who could ask for more?  We are so grateful to have known and loved him, and are only sad because we will miss him so.

Below please find a press-release type of announcement of his death and the arrangements concerning visitation, the funeral, and internment.  If you could share this with folks in the state convention and anyone else you think might be interested, we would appreciate it.  If you have any questions, please let us know.  In His Service, Lois Gillis Brown

 Don W. Gillis

Retired Director of Missions for Southwestern and Miami Valley Baptist Associations Don Gillis died Thursday, January 19, 2012, after a brief illness.  Gillis, 77, and his wife, Jeanette, felt the call to come to Ohio during their last year at Southern Seminary in 1960, and upon graduation they moved to Lancaster, where he pastored the Hubert Avenue Baptist Church for 14-1/2 years, followed by 2 years at the First Baptist Church of Huron, before being appointed by NAMB.  He served Southwestern and Miami Valley tirelessly for 25 years, retiring in 2000.  Dr. Gillis is fondly remembered for his love for people, strong administrative skills, and for being a peacemaker.

Visitation will be at Rolling Hills Baptist Church (5742 Pleasant Avenue, Fairfield, Ohio 45014) from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, and from 10:00 – 11:00 Wednesday, January 25, also at Rolling Hills. 

The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 Wednesday, January 25, at Rolling Hills Baptist, with Dr. John Beckett officiating.

Internment will be Thursday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m., at the Blue Grass Memorial Gardens, 4915 Harrodsburg Road, Nicholasville (Lexington), Kentucky 40356 (859-223-1223, www.bluegrassmemorialgardens.com).

Arrangements are being made through Avance Funeral Home (www.avancefuneralhome.com).

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Gillis Fund to benefit Southwester Baptist Association at the Ohio Baptist Foundation, 9000 Antares Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43240.

Please feel free to forward this information to your church or anyone you think might be interested.