Hollis A. Gilfillian, Sr., 86, of Hamshire, died Wednesday, June 01, 2016. He was born on November 14, 1929, in Beaumont, to Tessie Ott and Jesse J. Gilfillian.
Hollis enjoyed participating in rodeos, and was a longtime member of the Independent Cattleman’s Association of Texas. He was one of the original members of ICA and was an integral part in the creation of the Southeast Texas ICA Drawdown and the Commercial Bull and Heifer sale, held each year. He was a Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Gold Card member, and in 2001, he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. He especially loved watching his grandchildren throughout their school activities and caring for his loving wife.
Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Wana Gilfillian, of Hamshire; son, H.A. “Peanut” Gilfillian and his wife, Tammie, of Stowell; grandchildren, Bryce J. Gilfillian, of Cambridge, MA; and Austen Kyle Gilfillian, of Fort Worth; sisters, Pansy Westman and her husband, Raymond, of Vidor; Suzy Psyck and her husband, Rip, of Pittsburgh, PA; numerous nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends, including longtime family friends, Ginger Ann Dishman and Tessie Alvarez.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jesse James Gilfillian; Derrell J. Gilfillian; Onis B. Gilfillian; and sister, Fereice Benkula.
A gathering of Mr. Gilfillian’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 3, 2016, at Broussard’s, with private interment at a later date.
