Dr. Leslie E. Gilliss Jr.

He was born on February 4, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland to Leslie, Sr and Shirley (Burdette) Gilliss. Les graduated from Mt. Hebron High School in 1971. He went on to earn a Biological Sciences degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County graduating cum laude in 1975. He further continued his education at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry completing his DDS degree in 1978. He practiced dentistry for over 30 years, most recently in Morro Bay, California.

He married his wife Jean in 1976. They had a strong, loving marriage and celebrated 40 years of marriage in September. Together they raised their 2 children, Matthew and Janessa.

Les will be remembered for his good humor, quick remarks and sayings. He appreciated quality time with family and friends. He loved camping in the motorhome, hiking, wine tasting, home beer brewing, making chili, playing piano, BBQ'ing, rooting for the Angels and coffee with chocolate at breakfast. Les also had a real soft spot for Disneyland trips. He had a natural ability to fix anything and was a true perfectionist. He built a climate controlled wine closet and an outdoor sports bar and always had a project going in the garden. He loved to travel especially cruises and visiting new spots in the US. Les was always ready for a traditional Maryland crab feast, eating fair food, concerts in the park and listening to Country or Christian music. He had a deep, growing faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Les is survived by his wife, Jean (Hudson) Gilliss; son Matthew Gilliss and his wife Valerie; daughter Janessa Filipponi and her husband Craig; three granddaughters - Adelaide, Elise and Briella along with a grandson arriving April, 2017; parents Leslie Sr and Shirley Gilliss; brothers Mark Gilliss (Nancy); and Keith Gilliss (Lisa) and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Les will be deeply missed, but we take comfort that he no longer battles cancer and is at peace in heaven. We know he has found "a nice bench" and is wrapped in the "cloak of warmth" of our Heavenly Father.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Les' name. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.