Clifford Thomas Gilley

Mr. Clifford Thomas Gilley, age 78, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, passed away on December 29, 2019, surrounded by his family. He is now at peace in his heavenly home.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020 in the Chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. Rev. Drewery Loggins will officiate. The family will receive friends 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

Clifford was born on April 6. 1941 in Whitesburg, GA to Charlie Tom Gilley and Evie Lee Latimer Gilley. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy for 21 years, with tours from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Europe, the Caribbean including the waters off Cuba during the Missile Crisis of 1962. He retired from the Navy in 1980 in Charleston, SC and began his second career as a civilian contractor designing and implementing electronic security systems at military bases throughout the United States. He permanently retired in 2002. By his side for 56 years of marriage was his devoted wife and best friend Carolyn. 

Clifford knew no strangers and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a true southern gentleman who loved and protected his family and his country. He loved spending time with his family. He took pleasure in gardening and blessed many with his home-grown vegetables over the years. He also enjoyed staying active, woodworking, watching old westerns, talking politics, and Georgia Bulldog football.  

In addition to his parents, Clifford was preceded in death by son, Gregory Gilley; brothers, Charles and William Gilley; sister, Mary Collins; and nephew, Ricky Gilley. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn Gilley; son, Richard Gilley Sr.; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Stephen McCart; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Jerry Weldon; two grandsons, Gregory and Richard (Jr.) Gilley; eight nephews and nieces; and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com