David Marion Gillis

David Marion Gillis was born on January 24, 1945, in Kilgore, Texas, to Martha Alice Hobbs Gillis and John Allen Gillis. He was the youngest of four boys, John Milton (Dallas), Thomas Malcom (Longview), and Bias Melvin (Anchorage).

David was a 1963 graduate from Kilgore High School. Shortly after, in 1965 he met the love of his life, Judy Lynda Fears. The two were married on March 5, 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership of faith, family, and service.

In 1968, David joined the U.S. Army and trained in Army Intelligence as an Interrogator. Prior to any deployment David and Judy welcomed their first son, Jeffrey David. From there he was deployed to Vietnam working to glean valuable information protecting our troops stationed abroad.

Upon returning from Vietnam, David pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University. He worked as an accountant before establishing his own private accounting practice in Longview, Texas. During this time, he and Judy welcomed two more sons, John William and Jason Heath.

In 1993, following a call to ministry, David and Judy worked and helped establish several group home ministries serving children with mental disabilities. This calling led David and Judy to Fort Worth in 1996, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He used his degrees in several churches across the Midwest from Idaho to Texas to develop ministry education programs establishing core values of a Christ led life.

David redirected his focus to reflect on a redeemed and repurposed life. This became his mission in assisting local ministry in providing safe and equitable housing for members of the local community. Through this he reached out to the underserved with compassion sharing the love of God.

David’s hobby was woodworking, his passion was his family. He is survived by his wife Judy, his three sons and their families Jeffrey and Peggy Sue, John and Cindy, and Jason and Sheri; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren - and stacks of lumber. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his deep faith, and his unwavering love for his family and community.

And the last question David would ask, if he were here, is

“Where are you attending church?”

David’s family extends their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Marshall Hospice, Texas Oncology, and the Veteran’s Administration. “Your dedicated commitment of time, quality of care, and attention to the smallest of details for our beloved David made his time so very warm and comforting, as well as for our family. We salute you for all you do.”

Memorials in David's memory can be made to the SWBTS Scholarship through Trinity Baptist Church of Longview and to the Christian Women's Job Corps of Gregg County at www.cjcgreggcounty.org.