Join us in remembering William "Jerry" Gillis, a respected homebuilder and industry leader who passed away on July 16, 2026.
Jerry began his career in mortgage banking before founding his own homebuilding and development company in 1974, later known as FaxonGillis Homes. Over the next four decades, he built quality homes and helped shape neighborhoods throughout the greater Memphis area, earning a reputation for excellence, integrity and leadership.
An active advocate for the homebuilding industry, Jerry served as President of the Memphis Area Homebuilders Association and on the Tennessee Home Builders Board of Directors. His many honors included being named Tennessee Homebuilder of the Year, receiving the Lambda Alpha Lifetime Achievement Award and being inducted into the Building Industry of Tennessee Hall of Fame.
Jerry's commitment to the community extended beyond homebuilding through his support of organizations including Habitat for Humanity and other local nonprofits dedicated to strengthening the Mid-South.