Tom Gillis

Thomas (Tom) Malcolm Gillis, a beloved father and grandfather passed away on June 17, 2025 at Holly House of Buckner Westminster in Longview, Texas. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, Texas. A private family service is scheduled for a later date at Kilgore Cemetery.

Tom was born on August 31, 1941, in Kilgore, Texas to John Allen Gillis and Martha Alice Hobbs Gillis. He was a second-generation graduate of Kilgore High School in 1959. Upon graduation, he worked for his grandfather, John Warren Hobbs, and learned the trade of building construction.

In 1965, he married Betty Ann Blue of White Oak. Soon after their marriage he enrolled at LeTourneau University where he and Betty would make lifelong friends. He was the director of the ambulance service on campus while Betty enjoyed being a homemaker. Tom graduated in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation from LeTourneau, Tom worked for various companies, which included two years on the north slope of Alaska for Parker Drilling. He ultimately settled back in his hometown of Kilgore. He used the skills his grandfather taught him and began building both commercial and residential properties in the East Texas area.

Though he was successful financially, he lived meagerly almost to a fault. He drove the same pick-up, Old Blue, for over 35 years and was famous for his overalls and cowboy hat. He supported various charities, his favorite being the Cal Farley Boy’s Ranch in west Texas. He gave anonymously and generously and was an example of benevolence to his daughters.

On any given day, you would find Tom at his farm surrounded by his cows, or at the sale barn on Thursdays. He enjoyed keeping bees and gardening and produced what his daughters claimed to be the best honey on the planet. Tom loved his girls dearly. He demonstrated this in many ways. During their years at home in Kilgore, the front door was always open for friends to come and go. The food was plenty, as were games, movies, and a famous swing in the backyard. He and Betty relished the time spent with friends and family at the house on the corner; memories his girls will always hold dear.

He was strict as a father but became a complete softy when his grandchildren arrived. He adored being a grandpa to each of them and lit up when they came to visit. Along with his girls, each of his grandchildren learned to drive at the farm. His only advice was not to hit a cow. After earning their driver’s licenses, he gifted each grandchild a used, white Chevy pickup truck, purchased from a government surplus website. His only granddaughter still drives hers with great pride.

Left with memories to hold dear are his daughters, Kelley Cotten and husband, Joe, of Alpharetta, Georgia and Susan Brooks of Tyler, Texas. His beloved grandchildren - Jacob Cotten and Minnie of Auburn, Alabama; Colin Brooks and Haley of Tyler, Texas; Emily Cotten of Alpharetta, Georgia; and Evan Cotten of Peachtree City, Georgia. He is survived by his best friends and brothers John Gillis of Dallas, Texas; Mel Gillis of Anchorage, Alaska; David Gillis and wife Judy of Lake Cherokee, and three beloved farm dogs. Also left with fond memories are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons and dear friends Matt Morgan of Perry, Oklahoma and Ben Riley Morgan of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Kelley and Susan, along with the family, would like to extend their sincere gratitude to LifeCare Hospice, and specifically their daddy’s nurse, Sheila, and aid, Sandra, for the amazing care given these past few months. Though only there for two weeks, Holly House of Buckner Westminster, made a lasting impact with the amount of love and care shown him his last days. A very big thank you to Gigi for the countless cups of ‘the good coffee’ you provided the girls and Joe during their dad’s stay.

In lieu of flowers, the girls are requesting donations be made to LifeCare Health Services -Indigent Fund of Longview, Texas. Mailing address for donations: 911 W Loop 281 Suite 204, Longview, Texas 75604