Davis Willis Gilyard, Sr., 87, of Exeter Township, PA went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 12, 2019 in the Manor Care Rehab Center, Laureldale, PA. from natural causes. Davis was born on November 2, 1931 in Reading, PA. He was the son of the late William C. and Mary (Wise) Gilyard. He was the devoted husband to Charlotte (Sampson) Gilyard.
Davis received all of his formal education in the Reading Public School System. He served his country from August 22, 1950 to August 21, 1953 in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed in camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he received certification in the Depot Accounting Course. CPL Davis Willis Gilyard represented the Marine Corps in various Boxing tournaments and received numerous awards accordingly. He was runner up in the U S Marine Corps 132 lb. championship boxing division in 1953. Davis was employed at Western Electric/ AT&T as a Senior Layout Manager and Credit Union Representative for thirty five years before retiring.
Having accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, Davis, since birth was a member of the Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA where he has been a faithful and devoted member and active supporter of all the ministries of the church until his health began to fail. Through the years, he served Bethel as a former Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir Director/Supervisor, Trustee and chairman of various fundraising campaigns. Davis enjoyed singing and was a member of City of Reading a cappella Men's choir.
Davis, because of his voting in each election for fifty consecutive years, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame in 2011.
Davis is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, grandson, Troy Culberson, sister-in-law, Mildred Gilyard, brother-in law, Allen Sampson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Gilyard, daughter, Sherry Gilyard, son, Davis Gilyard, Jr., and four siblings Sallie Davis, Catherine Gilyard, Walter Gilyard and Frank Gilyard, Sr.
Home going Services will be Thursday April 18, 2019 at 11am in Bethel A.M.E. Church, 330 W Windsor St Reading PA 19601. Burial to follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be Thursday 10-11am in the church. Theo C Auman Funeral Home, Reading is honored to serve the veteran's family. Please pay online condolences at www.theocauman.com
