Cover photo for Daniel  J. Gillis's Obituary
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Daniel J. Gillis

d. June 26, 2015

Daniel J. Gillis

Daniel J. Gillis, Sr., 82, passed away Friday, June 26, 2015 in Gulfport. Daniel, the only child of Joseph and Ollie Gillis, was born in East Chicago, Indiana. He graduated from Bishop Knoll Institute in 1952. At the age of 20, Daniel enlisted in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in which he served four years prior to an honorable discharge. Daniel relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and transferred to the USCG Reserves in 1957. He retired from the Reserves as a Lieutenant Commander in June of 1988. Daniel also retired from federal service as a Supervisory Training Instructor at Keesler Air Force Base after 30 years of dedicated service. Daniel was a member of St. James Catholic Church and a faithful lifelong Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Following retirement, Daniel became fondly known as “Mr. Dan” within the St. James parish community where he served the church and school with maintenance and repair. Daniel was a loving husband, father and grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren. He married Betty Lou Chunn in June of 1958 and shared 44 years of marriage and family. Betty preceded Daniel in death in March of 2003. He is survived by his children, Mary K. Steiner, Kimberly E. Gillis, Daniel J. Gillis, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Sonja K. Gillis, Dianne E. Gillis and his five beautiful grandchildren, Daniel “Dylan” J. Gillis, III, Maranda Steiner, Shelby Gillis, Henry Steiner and Austin Gillis. He is also survived by Mary Zuffa, a loving companion and lifelong family friend. Daniel will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, kind heart and loving disposition. He enjoyed tinkering about the house, starting endless projects, watching classic westerns and travelling to different countries. He truly represented love for God, his family and his country. Visitation will be held, Monday, June 29, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street in Gulfport. Visitation will also be offered one hour prior to funeral services at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road in Gulfport. Visitation at St. James Catholic Church will be June 30, 2015 at 10:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S.C.G. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road in Gulfport, MS 39507. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
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