Stephen Chester Gillis, age 70, of Crossville, passed away April 13, 2021.

Steve and his wife Pamela (Johnson) Gillis moved from Crystal Lake, Illinois to Fairfield Glade in January 2020 finally retiring after too many years of working and traveling on business.  Pamela had a business selling natural supplements and HBA products to the health food store industry, in the Midwest.  Steve joined her business and for his last 20 years of work, traveled extensively, covering WI, MN, and the Dakotas.  All who he sold to, or met, loved his spirit and smile.

Steve was proceeded in death by his parents: Chester and Mary Gillis. Survivors include his wife: Pamela; his two favorite felines: Elsa, and Blackie; and his three grown children from a prior marriage: David Gillis, Dawn and Matthew and Annette, from Rockford, IL; Stephanie Gillis from Rochelle, IL, and Jennifer Van Ostrand and Matt with their children Aiden and Asher, of Sun Prairie, WI.

Steve’s sister and family, Mary Jo Metzger, and Marvin, of Rochelle, IL, and his brother Mark Gillis of Rochelle, IL., plus their children and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many of the Gillis family.

After moving to Crossville, Steve enjoyed playing golf, including Winter golf, playing bridge, and most of all singing. He first had joined the local Cumberland County choral group, and while that has been suspended, he found every place to sign karaoke locally. His voice was always one of the best, and that was his primary passion.

Steve and Pam attended Cumberland Fellowship Church and were active in a men’s Bible study and a couples Bible study, further enriching their life here in this wonderful new home.

He was also a supporter of the arts, charities, Compassion child support, and will be missed by his many friends and family.

A memorial service will be held April 23, 2021 at 1 p.m. central at Crossville Memorial funeral home, 2653 North Main St. Crossville, TN.