Eldred John Gillis, Jr, 92, most recently of Winchester, VA, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at The Willows at Meadow Branch.
Johnnie was born in 1931 in Rayville, LA, the son of the late Eldred John and Lottie Mae Gillis. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married Ruth Etta Keepers in 1955, in Long Beach, CA. She preceded him in death in December of 2017.
Johnnie received his master’s of divinity from Talbot Seminary. He served 44 years as pastor of the following Grace Brethren churches: Seal Beach, CA; Simi Valley, CA; Eagle River, AK; and Greatland Grace in Anchorage, AK. He later served 21 years as interim pastor of numerous Baptist churches in Alabama, finishing his ministry at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jackson, AL. Johnnie was known for his love of Jesus, love of people, and his reputation as the “Cowboy Preacher.”
Johnnie is survived by his children, Erin Kathleen Kelley (Kent), Eldred John Gillis, III (Jennifer), Kelly Maureen Whitacre (Mark); grandchildren, Caleb Kelley, Luke Kelley (Christy), Nancy Moore (Duston), Katie Roche (Dan), Julie Scott (Dan), Gregg Whitacre, Eldred “Johnny” Gillis, IV (Shelby) and James Gillis; twelve great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, William Drake; niece and nephew, Eileen Lloyd (Mike) and Bill Drake (Marianne).
Along with his parents and wife, Johnnie is preceded in death by his sister, Elma Jo Drake.
A celebration of life service for Johnnie will be held Saturday, March 16, at 2 PM in the lower level auditorium of Fellowship Bible Church, Winchester, VA. Family will greet friends beginning at 1 PM. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to gospel-centered ministries.
We invite you to visit the obituaries and tribute wall at ompsfuneralhome.com.