Andrew Pillis

Andrew (Andy) Fredrick Pillis, 90, peacefully passed away on September 21, 2013 at the Virginia Veterans Care Center. Born on September 14, 1923, in Bluefield, West Virginia, he was the son of the late John H. and Katherine K. Girman Pillis. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Susan Prillaman Pillis. In addition to his parents and wife, Andy was preceded in death by his sister, Cecelia, and brothers, George, William, John, Elmer, Woodrow, Benjamin, Edward, and Mark. Andy graduated from Andrew Lewis High School after serving in the Army Air Corps from 1943-46, where he supervised a crew of 10 airplane and engine mechanics during WWII. He retired from Pillis Brothers Service Station in Salem at the age of 82. As a good ole country boy, Andy loved anything outdoors. Camping, fishing, gardening, family reunions on the farm, and cutting wood were some of his favorites. People loved to be with him as he joked and laughed with that special twinkle in his eye. As his grandson, Matthew stated, Hes the easiest person Ive met, very simple. Andy always cared about others, free hearted, ready to help anyone. He never met a stranger. As a father and grandfather, he was always there to support and love his family. Surviving are his brother, Luke; his daughters, Jeanette Templeton and husband, Danny, Donna Jones and husband, Harry, Peggy McLenagan and husband, Will; his sons, Mark Pillis and wife, Janet, Mike Pillis and wife, Cornelia; and his grandchildren, Shaun, Alex, Adam, Megan, Matthew, and Autumn with boyfriend, Jonny; and great grandchildren, Seane and Carter. He will also be missed by his surviving grandpups, Patches, Lil, Buddy, Sabre, and King as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. Andy will be sadly and lovingly missed by all of his family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at the Joseph Thomas Center, Virginia Veterans Care Center, Salem Veterans Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Hospice for the care and love you showed to our dad as well as us. You all have a very special place in our hearts. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Art Hearne officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Burial Park in Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Disabled Veterans, DVNF, 1020 19th St NW, Suite 475, Washington, DC 20036 and Alzheimers Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.