Ernest Michael Gaillard, 84, died June 16, 2026. He was born October 21, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Ernest Greer Gaillard and Frances Miller Gaillard. A longtime resident of Lexington, South Carolina, Ernest’s life reflected steady devotion—to family, to service, and to the quiet responsibilities that shape a community for the better.
Ernest graduated from Greenville High School in 1959 and went on to attend Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. Throughout his life, he carried himself with the kind of honest diligence that never sought attention, yet earned enduring respect. Those who knew him will remember not only his reliability and patience, but also the gentle humor and thoughtful presence he brought to everyday moments.
Ernest served as a medic in the Air Force, a role that suited his calm steadiness and selfless concern for others. In later years, those same qualities continued to show through in the ways he chose to give his time—volunteering at the VA Clinic in Greenville and at Lexington Health, and teaching math at the Greenville Literacy Association. His faith remained a guiding center of his life; he and his wife were members of Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church.
Ernest is survived by his wife of 58 years, Wendy Gaillard; daughters, Laura Prosser (Terry) and Kathy Dalton; grandsons, Adam DeLoach and Hunter Dalton; and brother, Ken Gaillard (Geniya).
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Greenville (https://www.firstpresgreenville.org/Give) or to Lexington Health Foundation (https://foundation.lexhealth.com/donate).
