USAF Lt. Col. William A. Gillis ended earth's mission 23 September 2025.

After graduating from Winthrop Massachusetts High School in 1955, he entered the 1st class (as a cadet) of the USAF Academy in Colorado. He graduated June 1960 and married his wife (now of 65 years), Kathleen A. Schulz Gillis. Their family includes sons: Thor (Janice), Glen (Huong), Mont (Deceased), Sebastian; daughters: Dawn and Cecelia; grandchildren: Apollonia (Nick), Athena, T.J. (Skai), Luhi, Rosalie; great grandchildren: Aurora, Flora and Arelia.

He was preceded in death by his proud parents: Fred and Helen Gillis; brothers: Fred (Geraldine), Robert and Paul (Carol). His living Florida brother, Richard (Donna); his loving nephews, nieces, cousins, friends in Massachusetts, various USA areas and in Germany.

All will miss their favorite loving Uncle Bill. He served in the USAF as a Pilot in Vietnam, Thailand and Korea. He was a Fighter Pilot in the F106 and F4 and an instructor of the F15 and F16. He also served as a realtor, financial planner, psychologist, Scout Leader, an Eagle Scout, in the Order of the Arrow, Ski Patrol, VFW, the American Legion and the Dandelions. He treasured his classmates and comrades, especially of the USAF 48th and 95th Squadrons.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 10 am at the United States Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Interment will follow the service in the Air Force Academy Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sims Veterans Nursing Home for their loving care.