Loyd Earl Gilley, 83, of Otway, Ohio passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at his home. He was born December 24, 1937 in Rarden, Ohio, son of the late Craven Nolan and Okie Hazel Workman Gilley. On March 8, 1958 Loyd was united in marriage to Sheroba Jean “Toby” Knisley Gilley who survives. Also surviving are four children, Bonnie (Paul) Yates of Otway, Gayle (Mike) Queen of Meridian, Mississippi, Brenda (Brian) Chambliss of Otway and Duane “Bucky” (Kelly) Gilley of Otway; 22 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Loyd was preceded in death by seven siblings, Zelma Gilley, Jimmy Gilley, Carol Stepp, Kenneth Gilley, Roger Gilley, Donald Gilley and Brenda Sue Ingraham; a granddaughter, Desiree Baker and two great grandchildren, Locklann Hersman and Colson Stephens.
Loyd served his country in the U.S. Marines for six years, and retired from Lucasville Correctional Facility. He was a servant of the Lord since January 1974. Loyd served as a deacon for many years in the Baptist community. He attended Duck Run Community Church. Loyd and Toby served as foster parents to 125 children over the years. Loyd was also an avid coon hunter and was especially proud of his Grand Show Champion Dog “Buckeye Deep Blue Chance” that he trained himself.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 at McCullough Baptist Church in Lucasville with Pastor Bob Davis and Pastor Kyle Carter officiating. Burial will follow in U.P. Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.