Carlus “Dee” Gully, 79, peacefully transitioned from this life into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Arc of Sangamon Valley, surrounded by the love of his family and his devoted fraternity brother. 

Dee was born on February 7, 1952, to Frank Gully, Sr., and Verna Gully. On November 1, 1975, he married the love of his life, Janet Thobbs, at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Alton, Illinois. From the day they met at Southern Illinois University in 1971, their love story never wavered, lasting nearly five decades. 

Educated in the East St. Louis public school district, Dee graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1970. He went on to earn an Associate Degree in Criminology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from SIU-Carbondale. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield. 

A faithful member of Fresh Visions Community Church, Dee served in the Men’s Ministry until his health declined. His faith was strong and his service to others unwavering. 

Dee was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on April 14, 1978, and became a Life Member in 1995. He proudly served as Central District Representative and was a mentor and friend to many. 

He also held numerous leadership roles in his Masonic family: Past Master of Central Lodge No. 3, P.H.A., member of Menelik Consistory No. 49, a 33rd Degree Mason, and Past Potentate of Kamar Temple No. 56. 

Professionally, Dee served his community through juvenile justice reform. He was Deputy Director of Sangamon County Juvenile Court Services and later Director of the Juvenile Detention Center. He ended his career with the Juvenile Justice Commission, advocating for youth with compassion and purpose. 

Dee had a deep love for reading, history, and sports. A season ticket holder for the St. Louis Rams, he was always up for a game or a great conversation. A sharp dresser, thoughtful speaker, and dedicated family man, Dee never met a stranger. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Gully, Sr., and Verna Gully; brother, Frank Gully, Jr.; and nephew, Franko Gully. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Janet Gully; sister, Joy Gully; niece, Danielle Hickman; nephews, Frank (Kina) Gully III and JorDon Gully; great-nephews, DeCarlos Ward and DeMaury Bolden; great-niece, Diamond McNeese; cousins, June Reed, Amy Lamb, and Milton Reed; sister-in-law, Jacque (Joe) Boyd; and a host of other family, friends, fraternity brothers, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.