HARLEY JEWEL GILLIE
Harley Jewel Gillie, 65, of Rowlett, Texas, formerly of High Island, went to be with our Lord on July 6, 2006. Harley was born on May 1, 1941, to Archie and Oleta Jewel Gillie in Stowell, Texas. After spending forty-nine years in the area, he then moved to Rowlett, Texas for the past sixteen years. Harley met and married his wife, Mary in 1969. The two were then blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Dee Dee, March of 1970. Harley and Dee Dee had one of the most unique and loving relationship between a father and his child. Each of them made the protection of the other the main goal in life.
Harley was well known for relentlessly cheering on the Texas Longhorns. His hobbies included fishing, ceramic painting, and an insatiable thirst for studying World History. Harley was exceptionally kind and friendly and had a sense of humor matched by few. His family and friends all had the opportunity to experience his “wet willies”, tasteful jokes and friendly pranks. Harley was the classic “family man.” His devotion to his wife, daughter, grandchildren and family pets is what set him apart. He was recently recognized by his grandson’s elementary school and community for being such a devoted grandfather and mentor to his family. Harley’s kindness and contagious love for his family will be missed by all fortunate enough to have known him. We will keep him in our hearts forever.
His was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Oleta Jewel. Survivors include his wife, Mary Gillie; daughter, Dee Dee Ashmore and her husband Chris; grandchildren, Alec, Nikki and Lexi Ashmore all of Rowlett; brothers, Archie Gillie of Sour Lake and Lenard Gillie of High Island; sister, Sherry Vause of Tarkington as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2006 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church 1308 Weeks Avenue, High Island, with the Reverend Gordon Vaughn leading the service. Graveside services will follow in the High Island Cemetery under the directions of Broussard’s Winnie.
