Gary Wayne Gilley died Jan. 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. 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.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joy and Lawrence Gilley; and wife, Jo Ann.
He is survived by his siblings, Curtis Gilley, Larry Gilley and Cecilia Stogsdill; daughter, Jennifer Gilley; and son, Brian Gilley. Gary has four grandchildren.
Graveside service with full military honors was held Feb. 1, 2022, at Calvary Cemetery in Shawnee with Jimmie Gibson officiating, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh, OK.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Gary’s favorite charity: Wounded Warrior Fund
