Samuel Lewis Gillyard, Jr. was born on February 4, 1942, in Palmetto, Florida, to the late Samuel and Enola Gillyard, Sr. At an early age in life, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior at Turner’s Chapel A.M.E. Church. No matter what life brought his way, he kept God close and held onto his faith.

He was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial High School and later joined theUnited States Army, where he honorably served. After being honorably discharged, he lived with his favorite aunt Almeda Jones in Fort Myers, FL, for a while. He moved to Atlanta, GA, and worked at Kmart as a stockroom supervisor for 13 years. He also worked as a foreman for the

Steele Construction Company for 15 years. He was a dedicated custodian for the Manatee County School Board and later retired after many years of service.

Samuel Gillyard, Jr. met and married his devoted wife, Willie Mae Gillyard, on March 28, 1986. His love for his wife showed how deeply he cherished their life together. He adored his wife and was grateful for the love they shared. He was a caring, devoted father and grandfather who always put his children and grandchildren first and took great pride in them.

He is preceded in death by his brothers: Arthur Gillyard and Constine Gillyard; his daughter Sonya Parks; and granddaughter Shardawn McCrary.

Samuel Lewis Gillyard, Jr. leaves to cherish his memories his loving and dedicated wife Willie Mae Gillyard; sister Dorothy Gillyard (Larry Holder); daughters: Shelleatha Smith (Charles Smith), Felicia Gillyard-Roberson (Glenn Roberson), Symenthia Gillyard; sons: Timothy Parks, Merkevia Gillyard; grandchildren: Tiffany Parks, Brandon McCrary, Jasmine Barber (Carey Barber, Kelvin Parks), Kamiya Davis, Demetro Bacon, Jr., Dah’zhyrie Williams, Charqavius Smith (Zykia Smith), Shanazha Cotton, Jakyrin Smith; great-grandchildren: Faith Smith, Audrey McCrary, Carmon Smith, Londyn Smith; two goddaughters: Lakina Doby and Natashia Gibson; and a godson, Ernest Davis. He is also survived by many other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and many other relatives.