John Bertram Gillis III

Born on November 27, 1953, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, John was the son of John Bertram Gillis and Carolyn Gillis.

After graduating from Fort Hunt High School in 1972 and the New Mexico Military Institute in 1974, John attended the University of Richmond, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1976. He later earned a Master of Public Administration in Administrative Organization and Management from Golden Gate University in 1984 and a Master of Science in Technical Management from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in 1998.

John proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years, specializing in armor, research and development, operational plans and training, and cavalry operations. He also served as a United Nations military observer in Western Sahara, Africa. In recognition of his distinguished service, John was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; four Meritorious Service Medals; three Army Commendation Medals; the Army Achievement Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Army Service Ribbon; two Overseas Service Ribbons; and the United Nations Medal. After retiring from active duty in 1995, John continued his commitment to public service as a civilian. He worked for the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon and later with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

John will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and his passion for running, golf, travel, and his Scottish heritage. Above all, he was devoted to his family, valued his friendships, and remained deeply committed to a life of service.

John is survived by his wife, Suki Gillis; his two daughters, Sandra Brown and her husband, Garret Brown, Christine Martin and her husband, Justin Martin; and his six grandchildren, Sophie Brown, Linden Brown, Emily Martin, Clark Martin, Maggie Martin, and Preston Martin.

Services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNZRKELQMQ?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1rz7MlsmZVEdXoQCy2Q0MumU