Alton Gillis, 90, passed away on February 16, 2022 at his residence in Sturgis, MS. He was a U.S. Veteran, serving in Korea where he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. Mr. Gillis was a retired Justice Court Judge for 28 years with Oktibbeha County and retired from Howard Manufacturing. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis and also he was a Mason and a Shriner. He enjoyed visiting with friends at Sturgis Café and he also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chapman Archie Gillis and Dorothy Mae Jones Gillis; and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean McClelland Gillis of Sturgis, MS; daughters, Sharon Williams (Tommy) of Pheba, MS and Cynthia Hunt (Warren) of Ackerman, MS; son, James Alton Gillis (Lynn) of Sturgis, MS; grandchildren, Amanda Rebaldo (Blake), Hayden Gillis (Jayne), Malinda (Mindy) Hunt, Jordan Hunt, and Tyler Hunt (Kristen); several great grandchildren; sister, Sally McRorie (Jim) of North Carolina; brothers, his twin brother, Algen Gillis (Christine) of Starkville, MS, Rodger Gillis (Erma) of Sturgis, MS, and Marion Gillis of Mathiston, MS; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the graveside service following at 3:00 p.m. at McClelland Cemetery in Sturgis. Rev. Charles White will conduct the service.
