Willie Lindsay Gillie was born on April 4 th, 1961, in Los Angeles, CA, City of Watts, to
Hardy Anderson Gillie and Jackie Marie Montgomery Gillie. He was the eighth child out
of eleven.
He was two years old in 1963, when his family moved to Littlerock (Sun Village),
California, escaping the devastating and destructive path of the historical 1965 Watts
Riots.
His formal education began at Keppel Union School District in Littlerock. He attended
Alpine Antelope Elementary School and Almondale Junior High School. As a young
boy, he played little league baseball Pop Warner football. He attended Palmdale High
School where he continued to play football. During his high school years, much of his
youth was spent in activities with family and his local church, A.V. Church of God in
Christ, where he gave his life to God at an early age.
He enjoyed family fishing and camping trips, and attending family reunions. He was
popular with the neighbor friends. At the local parks and recreation center. Following
high school, he joined the family business, Gillies Maintenance and Gillie’s Bar-B-Q,
working side by side his parents. There he learned a strong work ethic and became a
master on the grill.
In addition, he held various positions within the Littlerock (Sun Village) community,
serving with the Sun Village Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Jackie Robinson
Park Association.
After several years working in the Antelope Valley, he decided to branch out, moving to
Bakersfield, CA to start a new chapter in life. There is where he met and fell in love with
Vera Battle. They dated for two years before becoming husband and wife.
On May 2 nd , 1992, they became one and upon his departure they had 34 years of
marriage. With a blended family, they enjoyed gatherings at the house, camping, and
Vegas trips. He also was apart of the “Unknown” motorcycle club in Fresno, CA with
cousin Robert.
In 2016, he became part of the Vay-Cay crew with LeRoy and Penny Johnson, and
Comas and Cynthia Boyd. It all started on a cruise to Jamaica where they gave him the
name “Deuces.” His last vacation trip was on May 15 th , 2026, where he celebrated his
65 th birthday on the Carnival Cruise with family and best friends. Willie loved being on
the water, in the water, and near the water. This is where he found peace.
Willie joined the Marriage Ministries at Greater Harvest Christian Center, under the
leadership of Bishop Vernon R. Kemp and Lady Vicki Kemp.
Willie leaves behind his devoted wife Vera Gillie, daughters Eboni Johnson, Erica
Wilson, and one son, Justin Wilson, four grandkids, Chanelle, Tyree, Candice, Jason,
and 2 great-grandkids, his special nieces and nephews. They loved him and he loved
them. His siblings, Richard Battle (Gail) of Lancaster, CA, Lenall Battle (Ina) of Tacoma,
WA, Michael Myers of Tacoma, WA, Cheryl Myers of Las Vegas, NV, Robertha Myers
Hughes (Terrance) of Lancaster, CA, Craig Gillie (Lawanna) of Orange County,  CA, 
Carvale Clark (Ivan) of Lancaster, CA, Darlene Gillie of Orlando, FL, Terrance Gillie (Reyna), 
of Lancaster, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy and Jackie Gillie and one brother
Eddie Montgomery.
He touched the lives of so many people with his kindness, generosity, and love. He
truly cherished his family and held a special place in his heart for all his In-Laws.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who supported Will
throughout his journey, his family and the entire community, especially Vera’s Daycare.
Your love made his life richer, and your kindness now brings comfort in this time of grief.