Thomas Edward Gillie Sr.

Thomas Edward Gillie, Sr., died on May 26, 2014, at the age of 85. Mr. Gillie was born at home in Highland Springs, Virginia on January 30, 1929, to the late William Drury Gillie, Sr. and Lucy Shultz Gillie. After growing up farming, during the Depression, then carpentering with his grandfather, Thomas Daniel Gillie, and working as a brakeman for the RF&P Railroad, he made his career in the Virginia Army National Guard, retiring as a sergeant first class. During his 38 years with the Guard, he served in the Richmond Grays, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, the Howitzers, the Armored Cavalry and the Engineers (Combat), and was awarded the Bronze Star. He earned the enduring respect of many soldiers, both enlisted men he led, and officers under whom he served. He is predeceased by a brother, William D. Gillie, Jr.; a sister, Margaret Lee Gillie Dunham; and a son, Thomas E. Gillie, Jr. He was devoted to the family he leaves behind: his wife of 56 years, Margaret McClees Gillie; a daughter, Margaret Elizabeth “Tad” Gillie Stanley (husband, C. Vaughan Stanley) and children; and a son, Thomas E. “Toby” Gillie, III (wife, Leslie A. Gillie) and children. They will remember him for his love, his sense of humor, his craftsmanship, his ability to find or make a friend wherever he went, and for his quiet, frequent assistance to anyone he found in trouble or in need. Mr. Gillie frequently quoted Psalms 25, verse 7: “Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.” The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 5-8 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave. Richmond, VA 23231. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday May 29, 2014 at 2pm at Centenary Methodist Church, 411 E. Grace St. Richmond, VA 23219. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Instead of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com. Arrangements under the direction of Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory, Richmond, VA.