Harold L. Gillis, of Laurinburg, formerly of Raeford, died Sunday, February 8th 2015 at age 88.
He was born December 1, 1926 in Raeford to A.C. and Ethel Guin Gillis. He was married to Peggy Monroe Gillis for 62 years. He graduated from Hoke High School. After serving in the U.S. Army, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1956 with a B.S. in Accounting. He continued to be an avid Tar Heel supporter. After college, he entered into business. In 1970, he was employed by the Hoke County School System and later became the Vocational director. He retired in 1992. During his tenure, he served as president of the N.C. Association of School Administrators.
His life has been one of service to God and his fellow man.
In Hoke County, he contributed his time and service in many capacities. He was a county commissioner, chairman of the Democratic Party, president and member of the Chamber of Commerce, president and Lt. Governor of the Kiwanis Club, Committee of 100 and Mill Prong. While in the Kiwanis Club he was elected Citizen of the Year in 1964. In 2003, he received the Man of the Year award from the Hoke County Chamber of Commerce.
He was a faithful and dedicated member of the Raeford Presbyterian Church for more than 65 years. He served as a deacon, elder, president of Men of the Church, clerk and vice-moderator of the Session, member of the Pastor Search Committee, commissioner to the General Assembly, commissioner to Presbytery and Synod and member and chair of many committees. He was recognized for his long and dedicated service to God and Church and received the honor of Elder Emeritus in 2007.
While a resident at Scotia Village, he served as president of the Resident's Association. He was one of many who worked diligently to get the addition of the Fitness Center and served on other committees.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 11 at Raeford Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will be immediately following the service and at Scotia Village, Laurinburg on Wednesday February 11 at 3 p.m. in the Morris Morgan Room.
He is survived by his wife Peggy M. Gillis; son, Lee Gillis and wife Jude Hirsch; daughter, Susan Gillis Bailey; and granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Gillis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Watson Gillis.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Raeford Presbyterian Church, Ropp Hall 128 West Edinborough Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376, or Scotia Village Foundation, 2200 Elm Ave, Laurinburg, NC 28352
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.