Kittrell, NC--Howard Ray Gillis, 77, of Kittrell, NC, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024 at Duke University Medical Center. Howard was born June 8, 1946 to the late Ivey Woodrow Gillis and Georgia Snead Gillis.

Originally from Roxboro, NC, Howard served in the U.S. Army from 1966 - 1968. He began his career in the N.C. Forestry Service in 1969 and moved to Henderson, NC in 1972. He retired from the State after 33 years and started his own business, Carolina Timber Broker, which he successfully ran until his death.

Howard never met a stranger and enjoyed welcoming people into his home and the farm. When he wasn't working with his timber business, he was on his farm - riding the tractor cutting the acres of grass, planting flowers, or riding the side by side through the trails in the forest or around the pond. He shared his love of nature with his grandchildren, as you would often find them riding, fishing, and playing on the farm. Howard was a loving husband, father, and granddaddy, and affectionately called "How-How" by his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Carolyn Sledge Gillis; daughter, Lori Gillis Duke and husband David, of Youngsville; son Steven Bryant, and wife Lezlie, of Virgilina, VA; and daughter Nicki Stoner, and husband Bert, of Willow Springs; and six grandchildren, Nicholas Duke, Conner Bryant, Jacob Stoner, Griffin Bryant, Ryleigh Bryant, and Carley Stoner. He is also survived by his siblings Randy Gillis and wife Rebecca, Cathy Carland, and Landon Gillis and wife Janet.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1200 HR Gillis Lane, Kittrell, NC on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1 p.m. with lunch served immediately following. As you would usually find Howard in jeans and a hat, the family requests casual dress for his service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services in Louisburg.

Paid obituary