Kenneth Roy Gilley, 82, of Martinsville, Illinois completed his earthly journey at 6:30 a.m. July 30, 2021, at Union Hospital with his wife and family at his side. Roy was a man of many interests from collecting and recycling pop cans to removing gold pieces from old computers to cutting and skinning a side of beef. When his hand got tired, he would switch hands and continue his work. He could root a rose cutting under a mason jar or nurse a sick or injured pet back to health with a little bag balm and some love. Family and friends knew him in many areas of life. He began his grocery store work at age 16 as a meat cutter at Mook’s Store. He cut meat and owned his own business for 12 years and would continue meat cutting for a total of 50 years. At age 18, he joined the Army Reserves and remained active duty for 8 years. Roy pastored for 40m years. He found much happiness in studying God’s word, preaching and attending Revival services. He loved working in the yard and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In later years he found great joy in caring for his dog Mandy. When Roy was 16, he met the love of his life, Faye Bright. She was 12 years old when he noticed her shopping at Mook’s grocery store. This began their love that would grow over the next 67 years and be the love of a lifetime. Roy was known for his caring and loving heart. He greeted everyone with a generous smile and sincere compassion and interest. He never met a stranger. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is privileged to be assisting the family of Roy Gilley with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Interment will follow at Pritchett Cemetery in Boulder. Friends are welcome from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval and at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Roy’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences and memories of Roy may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
He is survived by his wife Faye Gilley of Martinsville, son Randy (Ruth) Gilley, son Kevin (Sheryl) Gilley; sister Judy (Butch) Wilkey; brother-in-law Jim Norton; and Janet Gross. Roy is a grandfather to 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, uncle to nieces and nephews, and has many cousins and loved ones who will all miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his brother Darrell Gilley; his father Reuben Gilley; his mother Catherine Gilley; his sister Karen Gilley Norton; and his nephew Kenny Norton.
