William Taft Gilley

W.T. Gilley of Cantonment, better known to his friends and family as “Pap,” passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 23, 2018. Pap was born in Bratt on May 3, 1919 and lived in the north end of Escambia County all his life. Pap began his career at the Old Alger Sullivan Lumber Mill in Century. He then moved to the Florida Pulp and Paper Company in Cantonment that later became St. Regis Paper Company. He worked in the shipping department of St. Regis until his retirement. He is remembered by many for helping to open and operate Gilley’s Sporting Goods in Cantonment. Many met him there over a cup of coffee and a tall tale. Pap was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served in the European Theater near the end of the war. While in the Bastone region, he suffered severe frostbitten feet. He was sent to a hospital in England to recover and was there reunited with his brother Ted. In recent years Pap was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. He is preceded in death by his wife of seventy-one years, Louise Gilley; his son Ronnie Gilley; and his grandson Regan Streit. He is survived by his daughter, Frances Streit (Jim); daughter-in-law Barbara Gilley; three grandchildren, Gina Thomas (Clay), Aaron Gilley, Ron Gilley (Janice); ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pap was a devoted member and supporter of First Baptist Church of Cantonment where he worshiped for more than fifty years. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman—never happier than when he was in the woods or on the water with grandchildren teaching them to be good sportsmen and instilling in them principles of godly living. Many friends have rallied to support the family by helping care for Pap in recent years. Pap was thankful for these friendships, and the family is grateful not just for the friendships but also for all the tangible help and support. Special thanks to the caregivers at Homestead Village as well as Emerald Coast and Covenant Hospices. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 10am until 12n at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The service will immediately follow at 12n. Interment will be at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers are Jimmy Montgomery, Jeff Perkins, Clay Thomas, Cooper Thomas, Aaron Gilley, and Jim Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of First Baptist Church of Cantonment. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to First Baptist Church of Cantonment benevolence fund. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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William Taft Gilley

May 3, 1919 - March 23, 2018