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Gary Wayne Gilley left us January 27, 2022. He was born March 15, 1948 in Pauls Valley. Gary grew up in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1966 and he attended St. Gregory’s College and Rose State College. He met his wife Jo Ann in high school and they were married in 1967. He was drafted into the Air Force during the Vietnam War in 1968. He was stationed at Phù Cát Air Base for one year. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant. After serving in Vietnam, Gary remained in the Air Force and was stationed in Florida and Texas. In 1975, Gary left the Air Force and he and his wife Jo Ann returned to Shawnee where they lived until their passing. Gary began working at Tinker AFB in 1978, first as a Security Policeman, and in 1980 attended machinist school. He was a supervising machinist for more than 20 years, winning multiple awards for his creativity and commitment to innovation in aviation. He retired from civil service in 2008. Gary was a highly skilled artisan, cabinet maker and furniture maker. Throughout his life he made furniture for people he knew and helped friends and family with home improvement projects. In retirement he continued to woodwork and remodel the homes of friends and family as well as perfecting his pit master bbq skills.
Gary was proceeded in death by his parents Joy and Lawrence Gilley as well as by his wife Jo Ann. He is survived by his siblings, Curtis Gilley, Larry Gilley and Cecilia Stogsdill as well as his daughter Jennifer Gilley and his son Brian Gilley. Gary has four grandchildren, Aurianna, Tansy, Parker and Joseph.
The family is grateful for the years of gentle and thoughtful care given to Gary by Dr. Gregory Grant and his staff at St Anthony’s in Shawnee.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 31, 2022 at Cooper Funeral Home. Casket will be closed. Graveside service with full military honors will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Calvary Cemetery in Shawnee with Jimmie Gibson officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers please donate to Gary’s favorite charity, Wounded Warrior Fund (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/)
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