Charles William Gillis

Charles William Gillis, 91, of Swainsboro, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home. Born on October 9, 1935, in Soperton, Georgia, he was the son of the late Fred B. Gillis and Lurlene Kitchens Gillis. Charles will be remembered for a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and the many special memories he created with those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Sara Ellen Newton Gillis; an infant daughter and an infant son; his beloved wife of 18 years, Kathy Bell Gillis; his brothers, Franklin Gillis and Lamon Gillis; and his sister, Joyce Gillis Williams.

Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and attended Hawhammock Baptist Church. His faith was the foundation upon which he built his life and guided the way he loved and cared for others.

For 30 years, Charles served as a manager with Piggly Wiggly Southern Inc. in Metter, McRae, and Swainsboro. He took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication, strong work ethic, and the respect he showed those around him. Throughout his career, he served as a mentor to many employees, helping guide and encouraging them both professionally and personally.

Charles was a man who took great pride in his appearance. He was always well-dressed, neatly groomed, and particular about how he presented himself. Whether he was heading to church, going to work, or spending time with family, he carried himself with the dignity and pride of a true Southern gentleman. His attention to detail was simply part of who he was. One of his greatest joys was spending time on the water at Shellman Bluff. He had a deep love for fishing, and some of his family's most treasured memories were made along the coast. His grandchildren spent many summers by his side, learning to fish, shrimp, and crab. Those days were about much more than what they caught; they were filled with laughter, patience, stories, and precious time together.

Charles also had a special gift for bringing people together. Cooking for others was one of the many ways he expressed his love. His fried shrimp, crab stew, Italian cream cake, and banana pudding were family favorites, lovingly prepared and eagerly anticipated at gatherings. Every dish carried a little piece of his heart, and the memories made around his table will always be treasured. His beautifully kept, manicured lawn was another source of great pride. He found satisfaction in working outdoors, tending to every detail, and then sitting on the porch with his morning coffee, admiring the grass he had worked so hard to keep immaculate. In those quiet moments, he found happiness in the simple pleasures of life.

Charles is survived by his loving daughter, Tammy Gillis Claxton (Dock); stepdaughters, Kay Winters (Robert), Monica Wren, and Diane Waters; and stepson, Timmy Bell. His grandchildren include Ashlie McClellan (Ray), Mandy Battle (Thomas), and Brandon Claxton (Whitney). He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Addison McClellan, Tucker McClellan, Sara Thomas Battle, Claxton Battle, Trey Battle, Preston Claxton, Benton Claxton, and Saylor Claxton. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Johnnie Gillis and Sue Gillis, along with several nieces and nephews. Each held a special place in his heart.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, dedication, and cherished family traditions. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he shared will continue to live on through his family for generations to come.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 13, 2026, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverends Greg Ely and Cail Pressey officiating.

Interment will be at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum with Mr. Steve Claxton, Sr. speaking.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers are Steve Claxton, Jr., James Norris, Jake Smith, Billy Tompkins, Bryce Wilkerson, and Bronson Bragdon.

Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Piggly Wiggly Southern, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pruitt Hospice or Emanuel County Nursing Home in memory of Charles Gillis.

Emanuel County Nursing Home
117 Kite Road Swainsboro, GA 30401

Pruitt Hospice
667 South Main Street Swainsboro, GA 30401

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Charles William Gillis, 91, of Swainsboro.