Opal Lee Gillis

November 20, 1924 - June 14, 2021

Opal Lee Gillis, 96, of Delmar, died peacefully on Monday, June 14, 2021 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. She was born November 20, 1924 in Sparta, North Carolina, and was the only child of the late Burt Franklin Caudill and Mary Annie Phillips Day. Opal graduated from Galax High School in Virginia. After high school, she moved to Washington D.C. and worked several years at Arlington Hall. It’s there that she met her husband of 73 years, Billy. After relocating to the Eastern Shore, she worked at the Bank of Delmarva and in the cafeteria at Delmar High School before going back to school to earn her nursing degree. She worked as an RN at the former Peninsula General Hospital and ended her career at Deer’s Head Hospital. After retirement, she was able to enjoy many years of making memories with her family and beloved husband, Billy. Together they loved to travel and just enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life. She was an avid reader, loved to crochet and a wonderful cook. Christmas was always a special time at the Gillis household. Opal always made her traditional applesauce cake, decorated the house, enjoyed shopping and wrapping gifts. She taught her family the importance of traditions and many of her traditions will be carried on by her children and grandchildren. Most of all she will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who would do anything for her family. She is survived by daughters, Diane Miller and husband Mike of Hacksneck, VA, Nancy Gillis of Delmar and Trish Bragg of Salisbury; grandchildren, Gregg Morris and wife Jennifer and Christopher Bragg; and a great granddaughter Shelby. She is also survived by very special neighbors, Roger and Tricia Moore and Mel and Brenda Householder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years William “Billy” W. Gillis. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Interment will be private at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.