David Allen "Al" Gillis
November 7, 1944 ~ April 18, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailDavid Allen “Al” Gillis, 81, of Asheville, NC passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Stanley Gillis and Clara Jo Shope Gillis; and two brothers, Kevin Stanley Gillis and William Eric Gillis.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Lusk Gillis; son, Kevin Gillis and daughter, Kim Isley (Jim). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kaylie Taylor, Garrett Taylor and Aiden Taylor; brother, Phil Gillis (Shirley) and two sisters; Kathy Johnston (Sammy), and Alison Pressley (Charley); and a number of nieces and nephews.
David worked as a Pipefitter in Construction for many years. He loved his family and friends. He was a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist Church, enjoyed working on his old cars and going to Rod Runs. He was a Civil War history buff.
The funeral is planned for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Hoopers Creek Baptist Church (71 Hoopers Creek Church Road, Fletcher, NC 28732) with a visitation one hour prior. Rev. Phillip Youngblood and Gerry Locklear will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Eddie Youngblood, officiating.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Service: April 22, 2026 4:00 pm
Hoopers Creek Baptist Church
Hoopers Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828)684-1279
Visitation: April 22, 2026 3:00 pm
Hoopers Creek Baptist Church
Hoopers Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828)684-1279
Burial:
Hoopers Creek Cemetery
Hoopers Creek Church Road
Fletcher, NC
(828)687-3530
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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Alison, so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I’ve never met your brother, he was so very handsome. A very special man and brother to you.
You will see him again later, for now hold his memory close to your heart. He’s with Jesus now and will be waiting for you when you leave this world.
Will be thinking of you, Charley and your brother on the 22nd. May he rest in peace.
🙏❤️🙏
I am so sorry to hear about Al passing away. We were first cousins and spent a lot of time together growing up. Al and his brothers and sisters visited us on the farm in Barnardsville with Aunt Clara. We had a lot of good times. Al was a wonderful person. Al and his brother Whitey (ERic) loved their A Models. He will be missed at the Shope Reunions. I am sorry I did not get to attend the reunion. Sending prayers to all the family.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for family.
I am so sorry to read of his passing. I knew “Doc” thru my many years at IMOCO. He was a fine man. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all as you walk thru this journey of grief!
We were first cousins. Al always remembered coming to Portsmouth, Virginia when we were very young. He would remind me that he rode my tricycle. Al had the same memory as his mother, Aunt Clara. She could tell you the names of everyone in her first grade class. I saw Al at my sister Donna’s funeral. He will be missed by all of his family.
Al was always kind and friendly to me as a younger first cousin. I remember well the car he re-built and drove years ago. It was a classic and he was as well. He will be missed.
Alice, Kim and Kevin. My heart extends to you all praying only Gods love can touch you at this time. I love you all so much pray Gods mighty sweet hand touches you all and helps you with the passing of Al. He will be missed. Love you all!
I miss seeing you all. I’m sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I pray that you’re comforted at this time.