Obituary of Paul Calvin Gillis

Paul C. Gillis, a veteran of the Vietnam War and a longtime resident of Suffolk, VA, went to be with the lord on December 3, 2022.

Paul was born July 22, 1945, to James Herman and Edith Pearl (Carter) Gillis in Hampton, VA. 

Paul C. Gillis served in the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant with an E8 rank from 1963-1984. In 1986, he received a B.S. Degree in Management and Social Work from Norfolk State University. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding, the Southhampton Correctional Facility as a Substance Abuse Counselor, and Chesapeake Public Schools as a Truant Officer until his retirement.

The U.S. Army recognized Paul for his honorable service with a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge, Airborne Wings (52 jumps), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (7), Army Commendation Medal (2), Ft. George G. Meade, and Young Man of America Award (1973).

He was active in the community by serving as the President of the Suffolk Chapter of the NAACP, Area II Chairman of the NAACP, Region VII Chair of the NAACP, and the Virginia State President of the NAACP. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association, Wilroy Civic League (former President), and the Norfolk State University Alumni Association. He was also the Co-founder of the Southside Voters League of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Della Zenobia Collins Gillis; daughters and son-in-law, Ramona Gillis of Suffolk, Virginia; Rolanda and Curtis Scriven of Clinton, Maryland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Virgil D. Gillis of Hampton, Virginia; Laverne and Eugene Glenn Gillis or Canton, Ohio, Alva S. Gillis of Hampton, Virginia; and beloved nieces and nephews.