I met Tom when I first started my insurance career at Liberty Mutual. I continued to work with Tom but from the carrier side. I learned much from Tom and loved his unique sense of humor. I will sorely miss him.

Tom and I began working together almost 10 years ago.  Ten years..they just flew by.  If there ever was a person that I could turn to when there seemed to be no other answer...Tom  was that person. He ALWAYS found one.  He never hesitated..just simply, always....helped.  I will miss him terribly and pray for our Lords arms of comfort to surround Tracey, his family, and his FRIENDS. I'll miss you big guy..you were a wonderful mentor in my life and made a tremendous impact to all that were lucky enough to be in your presence.

I came into contact with  Tom as an underwriter on the carrier side. He was always knowledgeable,open, and friendly. He was a broker that underwriters respected. He also had a great sense of humor and made it fun to work with him. He will be missed very much,

Condoglianze Tracy e famiglia
Forza e coraggio
Anna Maria Wood

Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Gillis family.

I very seldom speak of honor and respect, as I believe those words are matter that should be shown to only the most deserving of human beings, and speaking them often cheapens their substance.  Tom Gillis, and his memory, are matters of my utmost respect.  The past eighteen years of friendship, and being the recipient of Tom's mentorship and leadership is an honor and priviledge.  I feel blessed to have such a fine example of a gentleman and wise human being.

I am going to miss Gillis, but I am not going to say goodbye, as his example, leadership and teaching are legacies that will live with all of us with which his presence had such a profound positive effect.

Tracey, yourself, Tom Jr., Cordette and Charles will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom, Rocky and I became good friends almost 40 years ago at The University of Texas. I knew Tom as Doc, a nickname his father had given him. While our friends wore their hair long, tried to dress like Peter Fonda and sought the answers to the universe, Doc had a real haircut, pressed clothes and a plan for the future.  He was comfortable with who he was and knew what he wanted.  He was low key, brilliant, quick to laugh and mature well beyond his years.  Although we were the same age, he was like an older brother.  I counted on his counsel in college and the early stages of my career.

Even in his early 20s, Tom was a hard worker and goal oriented.  He did well in school and was in a hurry to succeed in business.  But most of all, he looked forward to the day when he could have a family. Tracey, Tom Jr., Cordette and Charles were his pride and joy.  He considered himself a very lucky man.

As I reminisce about Tom, I remember him as a deceptively good athlete. Years ago, Tom invited Gary Stokes and I to play racketball at the Fort Worth Club.  He beat both of us at the same time.  Gary was undoubtedly one of the first Black guests at the club, but Tom didn't care about things like that.  

And there was the time we played golf at Texas with Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite.  Well, it was only one hole. They were in another group and we had hit into their fairway and were holding them up.

And there was the time we were in Mark Dietz's boat on Town Lake and we ran out of gas... and an incident with some gentlemen with pool cues at my bachelor party and a lot of other stories that I can't say what happened next.

As time marched on, we lived in different cities and we became vested in our jobs and families. Tom and I didn't see each other as often as we should have.  But you know you have a great friend when all you have to do is look at each other and there is a special bond and a feeling that 40 years ago was only yesterday.

I was very blessed to be Tom Gillis Clothier of 10 years.  He was more then a client he was a friend too and will be missed

I say goodbye to one of the most brilliant men I've had the privilege of knowing for 19 years. He was more than my boss; he was my mentor, my friend, my “office dad”. He had a major impact on my life and I am who I am because of his constant faith in me. Throughout his battle with caner, he continued to be a driven, determined, and strong-willed man who inspired me to do my best, taught me that there were no problems, only solutions and that it wasn't what I couldn't do, but what I could do. He will be missed and will forever remain in my heart. Rest in Peace Thomas N. Gillis, Sr., you were loved and admired by all who knew you! Tracey - Tom Jr. - Cordette & Charles, I love you all and will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Tracey and the extended Gillis family:

I want to offer my condolences to on the passing of your husband and the father of your children.  Tom was a prince of a man and a friend.  He will be sorely missed.

Sincerely,

Tim Patrick 
Lafayette, Louisiana

OBITUARY

Thomas Neal Gillis

May 8, 1952 – May 28, 2012

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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