William "Lonnie" Gillis

Lonnie Gillis, 96, of Arrey, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025. Born on February 2, 1929, in Timbo, Arkansas, to William Arthur Gillis and Iva Katheryn Perry, Lonnie lived a life marked by dedication and love for his family and community.

Lonnie was united in marriage to Dorothy Rose Riggs on July 4, 1956, at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Garfield, New Mexico. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion, farming side-by-side with their children in Arrey until the early 2000s. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love and shared purpose.

A proud veteran, Lonnie served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from February 9, 1951, to January 15, 1954. After his military service, he began a career with Mountain States Telephone Company from 1954 to 1959. He later joined White Sands Missile Range as a Communications Supervisor, where he worked diligently from 1964 until his retirement in 1985.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Iva Katheryn Gillis, his brothers Glen, Leonard, Johnny, and Don Gillis, and his sister Louise Brownley. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his children, Dan Gillis (Connie), Mike Gillis (Kristin), Debbie Porter (Bill), and David Gillis (Robin); his grandchildren, Matthew Gillis (Michelle), Franki Gillis, Morgan Gillis, Rusti Gillis, James Gillis (Cristy), Kristina Burgess (Matthew), Dajah Howell (Louis), Charli Poe (Garrett), and Max Gillis (Kati); his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Gillis, Layton Gillis, Drue Howell, Reece Howell, Blayke Howell, Louis Howell IV, Bentley Poe, Blair Poe, Weston Gillis, Joanna Gillis, Julianna Gillis; his great-great grandson Malachi Gillis; his brothers, Dencil (Mary) and Bobby (Patsy) Gillis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lonnie’s legacy is one of a loving family that surrounded and cared for him, a reflection of the values he exhibited most. His warm presence and steadfast commitment to those he loved will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

His life impacted us all as a tough and moral role model with a lively and spirited sense of humor that brought warmth and laughter to everyone with whom he visited. He was an avid reader of western novels, and his treasure trove of captivating stories and charming country wit will echo in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at Gillis Island in Arrey NM on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 5:OOpm

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of their choice.