He was a long-time resident of Winfield, Kansas. Earl attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served as a Southern Baptist minister. He served in the military, was a member of the Shriners, and enjoyed golfing and fishing in his earlier years.
Earl married Joyce Lawrence on July 31, 1959. He is survived by Joyce Gilley (Wife); Leslie Leyva (Daughter) of Park City; Linda Diaz (Daughter) of Wichita; Sharon Kenrick (Daughter) of Hominy, OK; Lloyd Gilley (Brother) of Ropesville, Texas; Clara Williams (Sister) of Tulare, California; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by Louis & Viola Gilley (Parents); 12 siblings; Steven Gilley (Son); Philip Helvey (Grandson) and PJ Diaz (Grandson).
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:00 AM in Wichita, Kansas.
