William "Bill" Gillis

William L. Gillis, 88, formerly of Sebring and Beloit passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at BelAir Care Center in Alliance. Bill was born in Hopewell, VA on October 10, 1921 to parents William and Corma Gillis (Ferguson). At the age of 12, Bill and his family moved to Sebring, OH. Bill joined the Merchant Marines before graduating high school. He then served in the Navy for six years before receiving his honorable discharge. Including his time with the Navy, Bill spent a total of 45 years at sea, working on a ship for Texaco for 18 years before retiring. Throughout his travels, Bill went around the world seven times and halfway around the world 19, and landed on every continent except Antarctica. He was a devoted and loving husband to Ann Hapstack for 31 years. The couple had no children. After her death, he married Dorothy Dunlap-Ludwig and inherited her six children and numerous grandchildren. He was a compassionate and caring husband, staying by Dorothy through her struggles with Alzheimer’s. Even after her death, Bill cared for and loved her family like they were his own. For the last five years, Bill has maintained a residence at Bel-Air Care Center in Alliance, OH. He often stated his gratitude for the care that he received from the staff and was touched by so many of them that it is impossible to thank them all by name. In all of his time there, Bill also claimed to have never had a bad meal. If ever there were words to remember Bill by, let them be, “Have a good day and a good tomorrow.” Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Corma Gillis, brother Eugene (Bud) Gillis, sister Jane Aufrance, first wife Ann Hapstack, second wife Dorothy Dunlap-Ludwig and step-son Jeff Ludwig. He is survived by step-children Kathy Dye (Jim) of Hopewell, VA, David Ludwig of Alliance, OH, Todd Ludwig of Beloit, OH, Sam Ludwig (Tracy) of Kent, OH and Dan Ludwig of Sebring, OH as well as ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home the hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Grandview Cemetery in Sebring with full military honors. Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home, Sebring. Friends may view and send condolences to the family at www.grfuneralhome.com.

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