James Royce Gillis Sr, 87, of Sanford, passed away Sunday Oct. 6, 2024 with his loving wife and daughters by his side.

He was born on November 10, 1936, the eldest son of the late Eunice Thomas Gillis and Lacy Dixon Gillis.  James was a loving husband and father.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing and camping.  James was an excellent farmer and gardener.  He began by helping his parents with their farm and then farmed for many years himself.  He was also a talented finished carpenter who built two homes for his family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sister Juanita McDuffie, brothers LD Gillis and Richard Gillis.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia Palmer Gillis, son Jimmy Gillis, son Kent Gillis (Karen) and his children Crystal (Drew), Brandon, Christopher and Courtney, daughter Karen Gillis Bush and her children Dylan, Connor, Peyton and Kennedi, daughter Kelli Gillis Godwin and her daughter Heaven, his sister Lois Gillis White of Jensen Beach, FL, great grandchildren, Aiden, Caryn and Charlotte and many special nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Tuesday evening (10/15/2024) at the Smith Funeral Home in Broadway.  Funeral service will be held on Wednesday (10/16/2024) at 2pm at Salem Presbyterian Church with Rev. Julie Olive Hughes officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts made to Salem Presbyterian Church, 3554 Avents Ferry Road, Sanford, NC 27330.  Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com  Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.