Raymond Leroy Gilleard

Raymond Leroy “Roy” Gilleard, 86, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at his home.

 Roy was born on May 23, 1938, in Fairfield the son of Vernard and Alice (Willey) Gilleard.  He graduated from New London High School in the class of 1957, where he holds the record for the 50 yard dash.  Roy was united in marriage to Martha (Joy) Guinn on July 6, 1958, at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.   He went on to join the Army Reserves on October 15, 1961 and was honorably discharged on August 7, 1962.  Roy had a passion for youth coaching Pop Warner football for 23 years and Junior Varsity football for 2 years, both in Phoenix, Arizona.  He worked for Garretson Tool and Die, Carnation Milk Company in Phoenix, Arizona and sold insurance for Horace Mann and Minnesota Mutual Life.  Roy and Joy traveled the world and decided to settle down and stay in Mt. Pleasant.  He taught bridge at the Mt. Pleasant Middle School for several years, and played ACBL Bridge on the computer and in person. He enjoyed his time at the REC Center and his coffee with his friends.  He was very active in the GOP.   Roy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. 

 Those thankful for sharing in Roy’s life include his wife, Joy, of 66 years, his son, Gregory Allen Gilleard, of Farmington, New Mexico, one granddaughter, Amber Lee (Clint) Harper and their children, Brex, Lilly and London of Gilbert, Arizona, his brother, Gale A. (Janice) Gilleard, of New London and his daughters, Wendy and Terri, his sister, Tammy (Jerry) King of Burlington, his half-sister, Sylvia Guitierez, of Chicago, Illinois.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Sylvester Lopez, his stepmother, Alethea Lenz and a half-sister, Juanita Montgomery.

 Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant with The Reverend Court Fischer officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the church.

Burial will be held at a later date in Brooks Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to EveryStep Hospice and to the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.

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