Charles Leroy Gillis, known as “Charlie,” died Saturday, December 27, 2025. He lived a life marked by service, devotion to family, and a deep love of the game of golf.
Charlie was married to Eleanor Healy Gillis for 61 years, sharing a partnership filled with commitment, laughter, and mutual devotion. He cherished their time together, residing 40 years in Sherwood Forest, followed by 18 years in Fort Myers, Florida, before returning to Annapolis, where he spent his final years among family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Eleanor preceded him in death on November 10, 2010.
Raised in West Baltimore, Charlie graduated from Forest Park High School, where he enjoyed baseball and hockey. He later became a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. He built his business and raised his family in Annapolis, where he was an active and respected member of the community. He was a past president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis and, at various times, a member of the Sherwood Forest Club, the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Chartwell Country Club, and the Naval Academy Golf Course.
Charlie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 with the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, N.C. A Disabled American Veteran, he discovered his lifelong passion for golf during his rehabilitation.
Golf became central to Charlie’s life and legacy. He coached junior golfers in Annapolis, Maryland, and Fort Myers, Florida, instilling discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship. In 1983, he founded the Sherwood Forest Pro-Am Golf Tournament to promote junior golf within the Sherwood Forest community. During his time as Golf Director at Sherwood Forest Boys and Girls Camp, he developed skills programs and junior tournaments that inspired young players.
A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Charlie is survived by his children, Leslie Allen and Michael Gillis (Anne); grandchildren Nicholas Allen, Page Allen (Jordan), Meagan Gillis, and Molly Gillis; and great-grandchildren Zuri and Skye Willingham.
Charlie will be remembered for his strength, resilience, determination, generosity, quiet humor, quick wit, and unwavering dedication to family, community, and mentorship. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.
A private ceremony and memorial service will be planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Sherwood Forest Club, Golf Account, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD.
Charlie was married to Eleanor Healy Gillis for 61 years, sharing a partnership filled with commitment, laughter, and mutual devotion. He cherished their time together, residing 40 years in Sherwood Forest, followed by 18 years in Fort Myers, Florida, before returning to Annapolis, where he spent his final years among family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Eleanor preceded him in death on November 10, 2010.
Raised in West Baltimore, Charlie graduated from Forest Park High School, where he enjoyed baseball and hockey. He later became a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. He built his business and raised his family in Annapolis, where he was an active and respected member of the community. He was a past president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis and, at various times, a member of the Sherwood Forest Club, the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Chartwell Country Club, and the Naval Academy Golf Course.
Charlie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 with the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, N.C. A Disabled American Veteran, he discovered his lifelong passion for golf during his rehabilitation.
Golf became central to Charlie’s life and legacy. He coached junior golfers in Annapolis, Maryland, and Fort Myers, Florida, instilling discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship. In 1983, he founded the Sherwood Forest Pro-Am Golf Tournament to promote junior golf within the Sherwood Forest community. During his time as Golf Director at Sherwood Forest Boys and Girls Camp, he developed skills programs and junior tournaments that inspired young players.
A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Charlie is survived by his children, Leslie Allen and Michael Gillis (Anne); grandchildren Nicholas Allen, Page Allen (Jordan), Meagan Gillis, and Molly Gillis; and great-grandchildren Zuri and Skye Willingham.
Charlie will be remembered for his strength, resilience, determination, generosity, quiet humor, quick wit, and unwavering dedication to family, community, and mentorship. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.
A private ceremony and memorial service will be planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Sherwood Forest Club, Golf Account, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD.
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