Obituary for Aaron Gillis Jr.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aaron Gillis, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born in Annapolis, MD, on March 29, 1947, Aaron passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, at Richmond V. A. Medical Center, Richmond, VA. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will be forever cherished by those who knew him.
Aaron was born in Annapolis, Maryland to the late Aaron W. Gillis and Vaughn C. Cromwell. Aaron proudly served in the United States Air Force from July 6, 1965, until his honorable discharge on December 20, 1968, serving in the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of A1C. His courageous spirit and unwavering dedication to his country will forever be remembered. Aaron married Jonell E. Popp Gillis in Denver, CO in 1970 and they had 3 children, Troy, Tawnya, and Terra. The family lived in Colorado for 56 years. Following his military service, he pursued a career in sales, working for Keebler, Slush Puppy, Flacks, and Pepsi Cola, where he excelled in the sales industry earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Aaron moved on to another opportunity and retired from the casino industry in Cripple Creek, CO and Black Hawk, CO.
Aaron enjoyed spending quality moments with his family and friends. He was “Wink” and “Bear” to all that loved him. Aaron cherished every moment he spent with his daughter Tawnya Gillis Scott, his son Troy Lowery Gillis, the late Terra Lynn Gillis, and his grandchildren Aaron, Devin, and Daunte. Aaron is survived by his sisters Shirley White and Oliver White Sr., and Sheila L. Colbert and Isaac Colbert, and predeceased by his late sisters Peggy and Patricia Harris. He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephews, Oliver White, Jr., Omar White, Sr., Alesha White, Shavon Moulden and Thomas Moulden, Jr.,
Aaron has joined his beloved cousin Julius Allen, Jr, in heaven.
Beloved and supportive friends Gwendolyn Parence, Susan Ahern, Burt Coston, Larry Jones, and countless others.
Aaron loved playing golf, taking vacations with family and friends. Aaron was best known for love and obsession with cars. He had no preference for a particular make or model, he just loved cars. He loved going to Sonic and taking his grandsons with him. Aaron's kindness and generosity extended to everyone he met, earning him the admiration of his extended family and friends. Throughout his life, Aaron exemplified the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness.
Aaron leaves his legacy to his grandsons. Papa Bear was their best friend.
A funeral service to celebrate Aaron's life will be held at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Prior to the service, there will be a public viewing at the same location starting at 10:00 am. His final resting place will be at Maryland Veteran Cemetery Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.
As we come together to honor and remember Aaron's remarkable life, let us also find solace in the beautiful memories he leaves behind. In his honor, let us continue to embody the values he held dear and carry his legacy forward. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.
In honor of his service to his country, the United States Air Force will pay tribute to Aaron during the graveside ceremony. May he rest in peace, knowing that his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Donations can be made in Aaron’s name to Ebenezer Baptist Church. 4040 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Messages of condolences or memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com
Aaron was born in Annapolis, Maryland to the late Aaron W. Gillis and Vaughn C. Cromwell. Aaron proudly served in the United States Air Force from July 6, 1965, until his honorable discharge on December 20, 1968, serving in the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of A1C. His courageous spirit and unwavering dedication to his country will forever be remembered. Aaron married Jonell E. Popp Gillis in Denver, CO in 1970 and they had 3 children, Troy, Tawnya, and Terra. The family lived in Colorado for 56 years. Following his military service, he pursued a career in sales, working for Keebler, Slush Puppy, Flacks, and Pepsi Cola, where he excelled in the sales industry earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Aaron moved on to another opportunity and retired from the casino industry in Cripple Creek, CO and Black Hawk, CO.
Aaron enjoyed spending quality moments with his family and friends. He was “Wink” and “Bear” to all that loved him. Aaron cherished every moment he spent with his daughter Tawnya Gillis Scott, his son Troy Lowery Gillis, the late Terra Lynn Gillis, and his grandchildren Aaron, Devin, and Daunte. Aaron is survived by his sisters Shirley White and Oliver White Sr., and Sheila L. Colbert and Isaac Colbert, and predeceased by his late sisters Peggy and Patricia Harris. He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephews, Oliver White, Jr., Omar White, Sr., Alesha White, Shavon Moulden and Thomas Moulden, Jr.,
Aaron has joined his beloved cousin Julius Allen, Jr, in heaven.
Beloved and supportive friends Gwendolyn Parence, Susan Ahern, Burt Coston, Larry Jones, and countless others.
Aaron loved playing golf, taking vacations with family and friends. Aaron was best known for love and obsession with cars. He had no preference for a particular make or model, he just loved cars. He loved going to Sonic and taking his grandsons with him. Aaron's kindness and generosity extended to everyone he met, earning him the admiration of his extended family and friends. Throughout his life, Aaron exemplified the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness.
Aaron leaves his legacy to his grandsons. Papa Bear was their best friend.
A funeral service to celebrate Aaron's life will be held at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Prior to the service, there will be a public viewing at the same location starting at 10:00 am. His final resting place will be at Maryland Veteran Cemetery Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.
As we come together to honor and remember Aaron's remarkable life, let us also find solace in the beautiful memories he leaves behind. In his honor, let us continue to embody the values he held dear and carry his legacy forward. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.
In honor of his service to his country, the United States Air Force will pay tribute to Aaron during the graveside ceremony. May he rest in peace, knowing that his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Donations can be made in Aaron’s name to Ebenezer Baptist Church. 4040 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Messages of condolences or memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com