Bradley was born to William Hurshel Gilton and Lennie Rowe Gilton. His older sister Elaine was there to greet him. The family moved to Corcoran, California, when he was three and the family grew adding a brother, Neil Gilton, and two sisters, Charlotte Gilton Gunderman and Luella Gilton Ashford. He attended school there. Then, in 1956, Brad met and married the love of his life, Beverly Ann O’Dell. They celebrated 66 years of marriage. Brad and Beverly began their life together in Corcoran, California, where they had their three daughters, Danys Gilton Greenlee(Dave), Vicci Gilton Mills(Wes) and Kimberly Gilton.
On January 12, 1964, Brad joined his family to attend church. “At the end of the sermon, I went to the alter and accepted God’s plan for forgiveness for my sins and accepted Jesus as my savior…This was the beginning of my walk with God.” (Brad Gilton)
In 1968 (encouraged by his stepfather, Jack Fossett), he moved his family to the Central Coast to complete his college education. In 1971, he graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He worked in San Luis Obispo for a few years and then he and Beverly moved to Visalia where be began a long career building and developing in both Visalia and around the State. He loved his work and was on the job to his last week on earth.
Brad loved attending church and serving the Lord. Most know him for his ever-present-hat, announcing “Our God is an Awesome God.” He bought and gave out those hats to anyone who would take them! He lived and loved sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone he met, and he enjoyed meeting new people.
Brad had many stories of how God had saved him, blessed him, and provided throughout his life. Rarely could he talk for long about the Lord’s blessings and goodness before he would get choked up. “My objective is to make sure all my friends and family know about God’s plan and are able to make that choice for themselves. I don’t want anyone to be able to say, ‘You should have told me.’ Doing nothing is a choice. I hope to see all of you in heaven. Love, Brad Gilton.”
Brad is survived by his wife, Beverly Gilton, daughters Danys Greenlee (Dave), Vicci Mills (Wes) and Kimberly Gilton. His grandchildren Adrianne Raia (Christian), Matthew Woods (Deseray), Robert South, Cherisa Vogel (Tyler) and Taylor Mills. His great-grandchildren, Gianna and Stormie South; Alexis and Sadie Raia; Zane, Easton, and Lily Belle Vogel and Ellie Woods.
Brad is preceded in death by his mother and father, stepfather Jack Fossett, sister Charlotte Gunderman (Gary), and brother-in-law Damon Ashford.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10:30 am at the Tulare Church of the Nazarene, 1929 E. Bardsley Avenue.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Gilton family.
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