Kenneth Gillis Obituary, Fayetteville, NC Shooting Death: Always In Our Hearts
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – A quiet residential street in Fayetteville was shaken in the early hours of Saturday morning when 34-year-old Kenneth Gillis was fatally shot inside a home in the 600 block of Berwick Drive. The Fayetteville Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:44 a.m. on April 25, 2026. When officers arrived, they found Gillis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit has launched an active investigation into the shooting. Crime scene investigators processed the residence for several hours, collecting evidence and speaking with nearby residents who reported hearing gunfire followed by a vehicle fleeing the area. Authorities have not released information regarding a suspect or motive, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews as they work to determine what led to the fatal shooting. Officials have stated the incident appears isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Kenneth “Kenny” Gillis was a lifelong Fayetteville resident who attended Douglas Byrd High School and later earned a certificate in automotive technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College. He worked as a commercial truck driver and was known in his community as a hardworking, quiet, and dependable man who avoided conflict and focused on providing for his loved ones.
Family and friends remember him as a gentle, steady presence with a warm personality and a deep love for fishing, music, and spending time with his young daughter, Kennedy Gillis, age 7. Those closest to him say his greatest joy was being a father, and he was deeply devoted to her upbringing. He was also especially close to his mother, Patricia Gillis, and supported his family in many ways.
His mother shared through the family pastor: “My son is gone. I just spoke to him days ago. He was coming to see us this weekend. Now he’s gone, and nothing will ever be the same. We just want answers.”
The shooting has left the Berwick Drive neighborhood and wider Fayetteville community in shock. Residents have placed candles and flowers near the scene, and a prayer vigil was held as friends, neighbors, and local leaders gathered to mourn his loss and call for peace amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in the city.
Rev. Alton James, who spoke at the vigil, said, “We cannot keep losing sons, fathers, and friends like this. Something has to change.”
Detective B. Ramirez is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be given directly or anonymously through Fayetteville-Cumberland County Crime Stoppers, as even small details may help bring clarity and accountability.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days, with community members already beginning to organize support for his daughter.
Kenneth Gillis is remembered as a devoted father, loving son, and loyal friend whose life was cut short far too soon. His family, friends, and community continue to mourn his loss while seeking justice and healing.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.