Billie Ruth (Phillips) Gillis

Billie Ruth (Phillips) Gillis, age 95, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at The Roane Medical Center surrounded by family. She was born May 31, 1931, to William (Bill) and Pauline (Polly) Phillips. She was a loving and caring mother. Billie Ruth resided in Harriman, Tennessee where she started her career in 1957 with Sears Roebuck and Company. In 1967 the family moved to Lake Wales, Florida where she continued to work for Sears and was a devoted member of First Baptist of Lake Wales. In 1971, moving to Sarasota, Florida, continuing to work with Sears until she retired in 1992. While in Sarasota she was a devoted member of the Southside Baptist Church. While in Sarasota she and Bob purchased a timeshare on Siesta Key, where every summer she would take the 6 grandchildren and spent a week at the beach for almost 20 years. In 1994 she moved back to Harriman, Tennessee. She was a member of South Harriman Baptist Church and worked tirelessly with the Children’s Ministry touching many young children’s lives. She was also a member of the churches Young at Heart Group enjoying the fun-filled and often quite comical trips that they had taken. She truly loved her extended church family and friends. Preceded in death by her husband Bob Gillis, son Duane, daughter Nancy, parents Bill and Pauline, brothers Cotton and JT Phillips, sisters Dorbra Lee and Cheryl Arnold. Survivors include Son Terry (Shari) Gillis, Grandchildren Matthew Gillis, Megan (Manual) Campoamor, Michelle Agee, Michael Gillis, Steven (Shawna) Gillis, Shannon (Mattlock) Russell, Great grandchildren Tyler Logan, Keegan Logan, Alanna Russell, Cole and Gracie Agee, Kylie Gillis, Madalyn Gillis, JJ, Levi Campoamor, Sisters Thelma Miller, Darlene (Gene) Jones, Brother-in-law JC Gillis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews from both Phillips and Gillis Families. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman. Funeral to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Sam Leslie officiating. Burial 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Roane Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to Riverside Baptist Church Children’s Ministry or to South Harriman Baptist Church Children’s Ministry. Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Gillis Family.

Billie Ruth (Phillips) Gillis

May 31, 1931 - August 8, 2026