Charles Jackson Gilley

Charles Jackson Gilley, age 81, passed away peacefully Friday, August 30, 2013. Born in Catawba County on February 20, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph Hudson Gilley and Era Hendricks Gilley. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Hudson Gilley Jr. Charles worked hard all his life beginning with a paper route with the Hickory Daily Record that allowed him to pay for his degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University. After college he began his career as a salesman for Midstate Milling Company for 10 years before joining Paslode Corporation where he became Division Manager for the eastern United States. An entrepreneur at heart, Charles started his own company in the manufactured home industry and later found his new passion in residential construction and development where he remained until his retirement. Charles was a devoted member of Englewood Baptist Church for over 40 years. He loved his church and church family. A true man of God, Charles nurtured his sons by living out his faith and making the sacrifices necessary to see their goals achieved. As an outdoorsman, he loved spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, the mountains and especially Portsmouth Island. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Bobbie Carpenter Gilley; sons, Charles J. "Chuck" Gilley Jr. and wife Jennifer of Wilmington and Stephen M. Gilley and wife Gina of Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Caroline, Sarah, Noah, and Skylar; and his devoted canine companion, "Lilly". A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Englewood Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Wolf and Rev. Ricky Sorie officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. A small graveside service will take place on Wednesday in Hickory NC. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen VA 23058 Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Englewood Baptist Church 1350 S. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount , NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-937-8254 --> | Tuesday 9/3, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Service Englewood Baptist Church 1350 S. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount , NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-937-8254 --> | Tuesday 9/3, 1:00 pm Cemetery