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Obituary For Dr. John Marks Gillis
Dr. John Marks Gillis, 58, of Smiths, AL died Sunday, October 2, 2022 in Smiths, AL.
Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, October 8, 2022 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. W. G. Perkins, officiating.
John Marks Gillis was born March 4,1964 in Springfield, VA to Thelma Gillis and the late Donald Gillis.
He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and became a member of Cascade Hills Church, Columbus, GA where he played in the band as a guitarist.
John served in the U.S. Army for four years receiving the rank of Sergeant as a combat engineer. He was honorably discharged. John was a graduate of Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Gainesville, GA and received his Doctoral from Auburn University, Auburn, AL. He was a quiet man but a renowned Math teacher, a great historian, an inspiring guitarist and a runner. He really loved competing in marathons. John was a dedicated family man and a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the best life that he could. HIS GREATEST joy was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to music and quiet reflection. He was an extremely proud teacher of the Muscogee County School System for the past 30 years. This was his calling, his passion and he left his mark on all that he taught. John loved the students and was proud of their success.
On April 12 1997, John married his best friend, Sharon Marie Miles and this union was blessed with one daughter.
He was preceded in transitioning by his father and brother.
He leaves to honor his legacy his devoted wife, Sharon M. Gillis; daughter, Ryan Marie Gillis both of Smiths, AL; mother, Thelma Gillis of Gainesville, FL; two sisters-in- law, Daphne D. Miles of Columbus, GA; Angela Miles of Columbus, GA; brother-in-law, David Miles of Columbus, GA; two uncles, Stephen (Marilou) Duke of Newberry, FL and Fred Duke of Gainesville, FL; aunts, Elaine Kelly of Phenix City, AL; Lillian Butts of Phenix City, AL; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his dog, RJ.
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Medium Dish Garden was sent for Dr. John Marks Gillis - October 07, 2022
Gloria Spencer sent Emerald Garden Basket for Dr. John Marks Gillis - October 06, 2022
Sharon you and the Family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Gloria Spencer
I only knew him for a short time as my math professor but he was a genuine and kind man, I and my family are praying for you all's strength.
My condolences to Dr. Gillis' family. I was one of his students and he was always extremely kind and helpful and he will be missed by so many. I remember he had really good music taste and a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace
Sharon,Ryan and Mrs. Gillis May God blessed you all with with peace and understanding. We will truly miss John. Johnnie & Rene Jackson
Praying for the Family - Catherine Lewis
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Gillis. He was a fellow teacher at Spencer. I will never forget his faith in his students and the encouragement he gave them. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Doris E. Brown
Dr. Gillis was more than just a math teacher. He was someone that was willing to talk to you about life and what was going on in the world. So much so that a lot of his classes sometimes involved a lot more life lessons than just mere math problems. Every teacher could learn from this example. He told you things the way they were and wasn't afraid to call out wrong if he needed to. Nonetheless, I could see the love of Christ and the faithfulness of his Savior through his meek, humble yet strong personality. He influenced his students more than they than will ever realize. Thank you Dr. Gillis. Until we meet again in the glorious pearly gates, rest well in Jesus.
So sorry to hear this he was my math instructor last semester he was the best. Rest well Mr.Gillis
So sorry to hear this. I worked with John at Spencer. He was a great Math teacher. My God Bless and comfort his family. Cynthia Sneed
To the Gillis family, I will never forget the kindness Dr. Gillis showed me. He was a passionate and dedicated teacher and I never doubted his commitment to his students. I am so grateful for the time I got with him. I hope that in this terrible time you may find some comfort in the change that he has made in all of our lives and the knowledge that we will carry what he taught us with us forever. I am so sorry for your loss. Melinda Belen, 12th grade
Thank you for making Math easy and being the best math teacher I ever had.
Sharon you and Ryan are in my utmost thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and family. Ruth Donnelly
Praying for the Family - Linda Harris
My sincerest condolence to The Gillis Family. TMAJ
As the only freshman in your Acc. Pre-cal class, my daughter was very nervous during those first days...But with your laidback style, your humor, your vast knowledge and your care, her journey has been a success. I can't never forget the excitement and happiness when she shared with me that "Mom, guess what, Dr. Gillis remembers my name already"!!! It is a blessing that she has you again this year, in AP Cal BC. Sadly, God called on you too soon. Thank you for being an amazing person and role model for the kids. Dear Gillis family, I hope all the good memories and the legacy that Dr. Gillis left behind will bring you comfort through the difficult time.
The Math Department at CVCC will miss you dearly. We are sending thoughts and prayers to the family. We pray for peace and comfort for the family during this difficult time of loss.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
