Robert James "RJ" Gillon, III, 15, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at his residence. The son of Dedra (William, Jr.) McCormick and Robert (Crystal) Gillon, Jr., he was born on Saturday, January 10, 2009 in Albany, Georgia. He was educated in the Putnam County School District. While in 7th and 8th grade, he participated in Putnam Arts and Sciences (PAAS) Band and Drumline, and Pop Warner Football as a player and volunteer. RJ was the 2020 Spelling Bee School Champion at Moseley Elementary School. He was a sophomore student and avid athlete at Palatka High School. He participated in Football, Track and Field, Wrestling, and Soccer. He was a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, Palatka where he participated in the Youth and Drama Ministries. He enjoyed reading, writing, dancing, playing sports and video games, swimming, taking trips to the beach, playing the trumpet and quad drums, spending time with his family, friends and teammates, helping others, and sharpening his videography and photography skills. RJ also enjoyed traveling, attending high school and collegiate sporting events and drag racing (Gator Nationals).

He was preceded in eternal rest by his great-grandparents, Marie Dean, John Wesley Dean, Johnny King, Frank and Irene Small, Jimmie and Mamie Gillon; grandfather, William McCormick, Sr; uncle, Raheem Gillon; aunt, Cynthia Gilyard; cousin, Mario Small, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: parents, Dedra (William, Jr.) McCormick, Palatka; Robert (Crystal) Gillon, Jr., Leesburg, GA; brother, Elijah Bush; sisters, Ah'Tilah Dean, Leighanna Walker, Madison McCormick, Bella Gillon, Aja Gillon, Marleigh McCormick; grandparents, Emory Dean, Martha McCormick, Robert and Sonya Gillon, Sr.; aunts, Emoryana Dean, Mariah Dean, Kimberly Clark, Jamila McCormick, Brittany Gillon, Monet Gillon, Tocarra (Mike) Gilliam, Dez (Jaime) Lewis, Raven Gillon, Shondreka Wells;  uncles, Rondale King, Virgil (Precious) Dean, Christopher Gillon, Kahil Gillon, Dy'Quan Gillon, Najahari Atkins, Carrington Williams, Gregory Clark, Charles Clark, Jr.; god-father, Corey Simmons; and a host of other relatives and friends.