Gary Eugene Gilley's Obituary
Gary Eugene Gilley, 73, of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, in Springdale from complications of dementia.
He was born in Fayetteville to Mary Foster Gilley and A.F. Gilley, and was raised there. After graduating from Fayetteville High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Janis Lee Jackman, and then joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years. Following completion of his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Foster Gilley and A.F. Gilley, and his in-laws, Viola Zinn Jackman and James “Buck” Jackman. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janis Gilley; daughter and son-in-law Jackie and Justin Davis; sister Mava Blew; and niece Cindy Thurman Pattillo and husband Greg.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the caring staff members at Circle of Life hospice in Springdale who so lovingly cared for Gary during his final days.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Nelson Berna Funeral Home, 4520 N. Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, with J. Anthony Holifield officiating. The family will greet friends immediately prior to the service, beginning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR, 72762, or www.giftstocircle.org.
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