Garrett Gillis

Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend Garrett John Gillis passed away peacefully at his home in Montgomery, Texas at the age of 48 on May 25, 2026. The oldest of four children, he was born on December 2, 1977, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Dotti and Matt Gillis. Garrett lived a life rich in love. He was cared for lovingly by his family, especially his parents, for all 48 years of his life. There are not many people who were loved more than Garrett.

After living in Bartlesville, the family moved to Amarillo, Texas and then to Sandy, Utah where he attended the South Valley School in West Jordan, graduating in 1999. His favorite part of school was riding on the bus each day. During his school years he also participated in the Special Olympics. He competed in bowling and downhill skiing, earning several medals.

While living in Utah, he worked at Wendy’s as a dining room attendant and would bring his work home with him and clear the table after meals. For the past six years Garrett has been attending the Brookwood Woodlands Studio where he had social interaction with other citizens and learned job skills which included packing the finished products. He loved the teachers and other citizens there. He was also accepted to the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas as a full-time resident, just prior to being diagnosed with cancer.

He loved to spend time with his family enjoying outdoor activities like days at the lake on the boat, snowmobiling and going on fast car rides with his dad. He was a very supportive older brother, attending his siblings’ school activities and countless dance and music recitals.

Throughout his life, Garrett was passionate about many things. Listening to Garth Brooks and other country music repeatedly, dogs (especially his beloved service dog Nala), his Woody doll from the Toy Story movies, milkshakes from McDonald’s and chocolate milk. However, his love for Diet Coke is legendary! He would enjoy several cans a day, often waking his parents up at odd hours so they could open one for him.

While his purpose on earth may have been different, it was no less significant. People with disabilities often teach those around them profound lessons in kindness, patience and unconditional love. That was Garrett’s mission. Everyone who loved and cared for him is a better person for having known him.

“There are clearly special cases of individuals in mortality who have special limitations in life, which conditions we mortals cannot now fully fathom. For all we now know, the seeming limitations may have been an agreed-upon spur to achievement—a 'thorn in the flesh.' Like him who was blind from birth, some come to bring glory to God (John 9:1–3).” (LDS Apostle Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

He was the proud uncle to four nephews (Landen, Nathan, Carter and Cason) and five nieces (Addy, Brooklyn, Lily, Carmen and Kennedy). When they were babies, he loved holding them and would lovingly nuzzle his face next to theirs as often as he could.

Garrett is preceded in death by his grandparents, Brent and Sharlene Gillis and Bill and Jean Garrett. He is survived by his parents, Matt and Dotti Gillis, his three younger siblings, sisters Jennie Gee (Phil) of Allen, Texas, Leah Dyer (Mike) of Humble, Texas and brother Austin Gillis (Meagan) of Eagle Mountain, Utah.

“Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love. When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory, bring us nearer, Lord, to thee.” (Hymn Number 293, “Each Life that Touches Ours for Good”)

Visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1516 Wilson Rd, Conroe, TX 77304, on June 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX 77303, on June 13, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.