Mr. Gerald Patrick Gillis, Sr., 77, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 10, 2017 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born in Sturgis, South Dakota on June 2, 1940 to the late Harlan Frantz and Mildred Marie Dion Gillis. He was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and a construction worker by trade. He has lived in the Lake City are for the past three years, moving here from Eustis, Florida. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and building things in his shop. He loved his animals, and was a devoted family man. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was of the Catholic faith. He is preceded in death by his wife; Patricia Gillis and his brothers; David Gillis, Edward Gillis and James "Jimmy" Gillis.

He is survived by his son; Gerald Patrick Gillis, Jr., of Lake City, FL; daughter; Renee Ringer (Allen) of Lake City, FL; brother; Patrick Dennis Gillis of Bellview, FL; sisters; Deanna Thacker of Flemming Island, FL, Barbara Conkey (Bruce) of Palatka, FL, Darlene Capo (Peter) of the Villages, FL and Colleen Shepard (Bill) of Davie, FL. Four grandchildren; Ricky, Nick, Amanda and Gina; six great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends also survive.

Memorial services for Mr. Gillis will be conducted on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. in the chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Tyre officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-1:30 P.M. (Thirty minutes prior to the services) at the funeral home.