Mr. Willie Lee Gillis, 79, Aberdeen, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Willie Lee Gillis was born May 7, 1944, to the late Gertrude Mungo Gillis Hines and the late James Lee Gillis in Southern Pines, North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Mr. Gillis was married to Margaret McEachin Gillis, a faithful and devoted wife.

Willie grew up in Southern Pines and was a long-time member of Love Grove Freewill Baptist Church in the Jackson Hamlet Community, where he served as an usher, trustee, and choir member. Throughout his career, he was employed by Proctor Silex, Golf World, and Wallace O’Neal Day School, retiring from Sandhills Community College.

Willie had a genuine, caring heart. He enjoyed watching Western movies, WWE SmackDown, gardening, and feeding the birds in his leisure time. He was a passionate golfer.

Willie had a natural affection for children. He had a special bond with his young neighbors next door, who included Reagan, Nora, Veronica, George, and Francis. They affectionately referred to him as “Mr. Willy.” He was a faithful caregiver to his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Earl Jones.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Gillis.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret McEachin Gillis; his son, Steven M. Gillis (Barbara) of Lillington, North Carolina; sisters, Betty Jones (Earl) of Southern Pines, Carolyn Jenkins of Durham, North Carolina, Sandra Jones and Stephanie Davis (Michael) of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers, James Gillis Jr. (Janet) of Pinehurst, North Carolina, Donnie Hines, Oliver Hines (Libby), and Johnnie Hines (Thomasina) all of Southern Pines, Woodrow Hines (Clara) of Raeford, North Carolina, Leon Hines of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jerry Hines (Esther) of Seven Lakes , North Carolina, and Scottie Hines of Raleigh, North Carolina; a beloved mother-in-law, Juanita Roberts (Roosevelt) of Laurinburg, North Carolina; special sisters-in-law, Ann McEachin of Jamestown, North Carolina and  Regina Smalls (Griffin) of Laurinburg, North Carolina; one brother-in-law, Cromwell McEachin of Mitchellville, Maryland; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; special godchildren, Carlita (Demario), Ananda, Jaziah and NaZaria Thomas of Aberdeen, North Carolina; special friend, Roger Nichols (Linda) of Aberdeen, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles,  cousins, extended family and dear friends.

The family will receive visitors starting Monday, November 27th daily 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Willie Lee Gillis in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.