Tyrus R. "Ty" Gillis

Tyrus R. Gillis, 86, of Satellite Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Born on January 21, 1939, in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia, to Tyrus and Myrtice Gillis, Ty carried the warmth of the South in his heart throughout his life. He was a man shaped by the land, by adventure, and by a fierce devotion to those he held close.

Ty had an unshakable bond with the great outdoors. From the quiet serenity of a fishing line cast into still waters to the thrill of a hunting trip through Florida's dense wilderness, he found his peace and joy beneath open skies. Whether it was deer in North Florida or geese and ducks along the marshes, Ty was never far from his beloved K9 companions, who shared countless sunrises and long treks through the woods at his side. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren-teaching them to fish, to love nature, and to savor the simple, wild joys of the world around them.

Ty's passion extended beyond the wild; it ran beneath the very roads we travel. As a distinguished Project Road and Bridge Engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation, Ty played a pivotal role in building key arteries of Central Florida's infrastructure. His fingerprints are etched into the Pineda, Melbourne, and Eau Gallie Causeways, segments of I-95, the widened US-192, SR-520, and countless other roadways. His stories of building those roads - dodging alligators, wrestling with thick brush, and navigating a then-untamed Florida - captured the grit and humor that defined him.

On July 7, 1957, Ty married the love of his life, Patricia Gail Judge, in Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they built a life rich in laughter, strength, and unconditional love - a bond that carried them through decades until her passing, which left a space in Ty's heart that never healed.

Ty's heart was always fullest when surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving brother, Lester Gillis; his devoted children, Debbie, Kathy, Mandy, and Ty; grandchildren Bradley, Kyle, Chrissy, Richie, Reyna, Rebekah, Larry Jr., John, Kari, Miranda, Lauren, and Ty; and over 20 great-grandchildren whose lives have been shaped by his gentle wisdom and enduring love.

He leaves behind not only the legacy of the roads he built but the immeasurable one found in the lives he touched. His laughter still echoes in our memories, his stories still bring smiles to our faces, and his love still guides us like a compass pointing home.
We love and miss you, Dad, Papa, Gramps. You were the heart of our family-and always will be.