March 28, 1943 – June 28, 2013
Stanton Lee Gillis passed away on Friday, June 28, 2013, at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas, where he was taken following a massive heart attack.
His loving wife, Laura, was holding his hand during the final moments of his life.
In addition to his wife Laura, he is survived by his daughter, Lorri Lee Gillis Sparr and grandson Connor Lee Sparr, both of Granbury, Texas; his step-son, Jonathan Alford and his wife, Jennifer, of Orlando, Fla.; two step-brothers, John Thomas of Baytown, Texas, and Mike Thomas of North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Lee Gillis and Margaret Marie Nutt Gillis Thomas; his stepfather, James Crenshaw (JC) Thomas; and step-brother, Patrick Thomas.
Stan was born in El Dorado, on March 28, 1943. He was a former member of Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, where he was baptized. He graduated from Southern State College, Magnolia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and later attended Southern Methodist University School of Banking.
Stan spent most of his career in the banking industry, starting as a loan officer at the Exchange Bank and Trust in El Dorado. In 1979, he became the president of First National Bank of Lancaster, Texas. In 1986, he helped start the Bank of Desoto in Desoto, Texas, where he served as vice-president and was a member of the board of directors. In 1994, he moved to Austin, to become the chief financial officer for the law firm of Harris and Harris. Most recently, he was employed by BMW Cars of Austin.
Everyone knew that Stan’s greatest hobby, passion and claim to fame was as "The Best Motorcycle Restoration Man of Vintage Motorcycles." His works of restoration are on display at the "Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum" in Birmingham, Ala. Stan received "Best of Show" in both regional and national events for some of the Triumph and Vincent motorcycles that he restored.
Stan and Laura (Alford) were married in Granbury, Texas on May 6, 2012 and lived in Austin until his death.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759. |