After a life of love and quiet grace, Charles Robert Gillis III of Knoxville, TN has passed.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those he loved.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
Charles R. Gillis III ("Petey") April 25, 1958 – May 2, 2026 Charles R. Gillis, age 68, departed this life on May 2, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Charles was an avid fisherman and a devoted provider for his family. He was affectionately known as "Pete" or "Petey." Charles was the life of the party, always ready to share a good laugh. He was known for his impeccable style and great sense of humor, which made him stand out wherever he went.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gillis Jr.; brother, Gregory Gillis; sisters, Peggy Fain and Sandra Gillis; son, Nicholaus Gillis; granddaughter, Nikema Gillis; grandparents, Dallas and Mary Whitehead, and Frances and Charles Gillis Sr.; and nephew, Dametrius Thomas.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Quintel Gillis; children, Nakeesha Gillis, Jamal Henry, Marcus Blair, and Dominic Hodge; grandchildren, Charles Gillis IV (Makaela), Quintaisha Clemmons, Jamija Henry, JJ Henry, Mariah Hodge, Brandon Hodge, Mason Hodge, Scottie Green (3), and BriAshay; mother, Minnie Thomas; brothers, H. Douglas (Gladys) Scruggs, John Gillis, Wayne Saffell, Dwayne (Shenaiah) Thomas, and Marquis (DeAnna) Brazelton; sisters, Frenchie Gillis-Jones, Donna Williams, Jaye P. (Jeff) Gray, Evette (Willie) Baker, Shelly Thomas, and Renadanna (Deforest) Shell; along with a host of greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
