Elmer Samuel Pillis, 74, of Daleville passed away peacefully in his home on February 17, 2025.
Sam was born December 2, 1950 to the late Elmer Samuel Pillis, Sr. and Helen Thompson Pillis (lovingly known as Pinkie). He was a graduate of William Fleming High School and completed a 41-year career with Norfolk Southern Railroad. He was a proud member of the Roanoke Valley Shag Club, loved to dance, and enjoyed spending his retirement years at his Craig’s Creek cabin and North Myrtle Beach condo. Sam truly lived life to the fullest. He was not afraid of hard work but knew life was not complete without a good measure of fun. He took every opportunity to be with his grandchildren and enjoyed teaching them to ride 4-wheelers and waves. He loved nothing more than attending sporting events or visiting “the shed.”
In addition to his parents and in-laws, Sam was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Bart Rowe and David Bowman.
He is survived by a large and loving family, his wife of 48 years, Nancy Bowman Pillis; son, Michael Pillis (Kimi); daughters, Denise Lisle (Jeremy) and Heather Pillis (Bradley Basham); grandchildren, Taylor, Jase, Tucker, Rieley, Lindsey, Brielle, Aleyah, Olivia, and Kaia; sisters, Becky Claggett (Mike) of Shiloh, N.C., and Marty Rowe (William Elliott) of Stuarts Draft; brother, Greg Pillis (Joan) of Buchanan; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family received visitors at Rader Funeral Home in Daleville on Friday, February 21 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. A funeral service was held at Rader’s on Saturday, February 22 at 2 p.m.; no gravesite service at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Church of the Brethren (P.O. Box 128, Daleville, 24083) or The League for Animal Protection (P.O. Box 561, Fincastle, 24090) or a charity of your choosing. sSam loved largely and will be missed by many friends and family.
