On the morning of Sunday, August 11, 2019, our cherished patriarch, John H Gilley, Jr, age 62, passed away peacefully, in his Mandeville home. He declared his heartfelt goodbyes, gave advice about life direction, conveyed to us how important it is that we all get along and encouraged everyone to remember the good times with him.
John was born in 1956 in Texarkana, Texas, to John H Gilley, Sr. and Anne Jeansonne. He grew up in New Orleans, La and lived with his Grandma, Ruth Gilley. He graduated from Del La Salle High School in 1974, then went on to receive his Bachelors degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He took pride in being an Executive Sales Representative for Liberty Mutual Insurance for over twenty-five years.
In 1981, he was married to his first wife, of 25 years, Karen K Gilley, and they raised one child, his pride and joy, Ashleigh Lynne. Sometime later, they were blessed with another treasured child, Alyssa Lynn, their beloved granddaughter. John’s eyes would light up if someone even spoke Alyssa’s name. He couldn’t have been more proud of both, Ashleigh and Alyssa.
He was a devoted hunter and fisherman in his spare time and was a huge sports fan who always rooted for the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. His favorite pastime was going to his camp in Venice, La.
In 2005, John met his Love, Pamela B Gilley. They were married in 2012, and he officially became a loving stepfather, friend and confidant, to her four children, Kelsey, Austin, Taylor and Alysia. As time passed, they were blessed with another love of their lives, Aubrey Nicole, their adored granddaughter. John genuinely enjoyed doting on Aubrey, spending most of his days alternating between ESPN and cartoons, with Aubrey on his lap.
John was preceded in death by his Father, John H Gilley, Sr., Brother, Peter Gilley and Grandma, Ruth Gilley. He leaves behind, in tears and smiles, to cherish his precious memories, his Wife, Pamela Gilley, Daughter, Ashleigh Gilley, Stepchildren, Kelsey, Austin (Morgan), and Taylor (Nicole) Luwisch and Alysia Boudreaux, Granddaughters, Alyssa Gilley and Aubrey Luwisch, Loving Mother and Stepfather, Anne and Jerry Jeansonne, Devoted Uncle, William (Sonny) McCauly, Jr., Caring Sisters and Brothers, Jan Faiella Gilley (Billy Gallager), Tina Douglas, Jeanne Gilley, Karen Thornton, David Gilley Williams, John Henry, Toni, Candi and James Robert Gilley and nieces, nephews, many friends, acquaintances and people who were like family to him. He will be remembered for his strength, generosity, wit and most importantly how greatly he loved.
The family will be accepting guests at: St Ann’s Church & National Shrine, 3601 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, La, 70006 from 11:00am-1:00pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019.
Visitation will be from 11:00am-until Mass begins.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18