Charles (Choc) James Gillen

Longtime business owner, Choc Gillen, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 17, 2012. Charles James, (Choc) Gillen was born December 15, 1916 in Coleman, TX to William C. and Kate Flippen Gillen. He moved to Lampasas in 1930 from Bertram with his parents and siblings, Van Dyke and Patsy Jo. Choc was a graduate of Lampasas High School. He married Marie Largent on January 31, 1939 in Georgetown, TX. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marie Largent Gillen. Daughters, Alicia Waggoner and husband, David, of Dallas, Anita Wheeler of Atlanta, GA, and Sherry Gillen Milligan and husband, Garry, of Lampasas. Granddaughters Ashley Wheeler of Atlanta, GA, and Shaye Groves of Burnet and grandsons Chip Waggoner (Wendy) of Dallas, Kevin Waggoner (Catherine) of Austin, Mark Waggoner (Kari) of Austin, Drew Waggoner of Dallas, Derek Groves (Judith), and Reagan Groves. He is also survived by 8 great- grandchildren: Hayden, John Reagan, Elizabeth and Grady Groves of Lampasas. Benjamin and Kate Waggoner of Dallas, Thomas and James Waggoner of Austin and Sheason Lee Lentz of Burnet. Also surviving is his sister, Patsy Gillen Miller and brother-in-law, Roy Dick Miller of Georgetown, and nephews Van Gillen (Nancy) of Conroe, Scott Miller of Cedar Park, niece, Suzanne Miller Gantner (Jeff) of Round Rock and many cousins and friends. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as an aerial engineer and aircraft mechanic and was stationed in India. Choc's business endeavors included operating Choc’s Place, a café near the hospital on Key Avenue, with his wife Marie. After the war, he worked for his father at Gillen’s Gin and Produce and eventually took over the business. He also started recycling scrap metal in 1957 (before it was chic). The flood of 1957 destroyed his Poultry and Feed business, which was located near downtown, he then founded Gillen’s Army Surplus. His store was a landmark located on North Key Avenue for over 45 years. He and his wife, Marie, who was his “vice-president of operations” attended Army Surplus conventions twice yearly in Las Vegas for over thirty years where he bought and sold surplus inventory to other dealers across the United States and overseas. He was named an outstanding member of the American Association of Surplus Dealers in 1986. Mr. Gillen’s community contributions included being the first VFW Commander of the Lampasas VFW. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club in Lampasas along with his brother, Van Dyke Gillen. He served as an Alderman on the Lampasas City Council in the 1950’s. He was a life time Presbyterian. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lampasas he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and Elder. He was awarded perfect attendance in Sunday School for 21 consecutive years and loved his men's Sunday School class. He was introduced to the game of golf by his long-time friend, John Whit Wheeler. He loved golf and was a long time member of the Lampasas Men’s Golf Association, and participated in the A.C.January Golf Tournament for over 50 years. He was known to his golf buddies as “fast putting, run and gun Choc Gillen”. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Van Dyke Gillen, and his sister-in-law, Bettye Gillen. Pall Bearers: Grandsons Chip Waggoner, Kevin Waggoner, Derek Groves, Mark Waggoner, Reagan Groves, Drew Waggoner; Great Grandsons: Hayden Groves, John Reagan Groves and Bill Maceyra. Honorary Pall Bearers: L. E. Davis, Rodney Andrews, Ray Allen, Wayland Lesley, Lucian Lyssy, Jack Dickison, Van Gillen,and Scott Miller. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Lampasas, 401 S. Chesnut, Lampasas, TX, 76550. Recently Choc wrote memoirs to his family, “I have had a most interesting life and it has lasted a long time, thanks to God.” Visitation is Sunday Oct 21, 2012 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Sneed Funeral Chapel. Funeral service is Monday Oct 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Fellowship, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery.