Dr. B. H. Gilley

Dr. B. H. Gilley, 90, passed away March 21, 2017, at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Hospital after a brief illness. A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, LA with Rev. Dr. Chris Currie officiating.

Billy Hawkins Gilley was born on February 26, 1927, in Manchester, Tennessee to Odilene and Cecil Gilley. After graduating from Manchester High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Much of his tour of duty was in the Philippines. On returning home, he began his college education.

Dr. Gilley was a graduate of Tennessee Polytechnic University (B.A.), University of Tennessee (M.A.) and the University of Georgia (Ph.D.). His early career was in journalism and he served as editor of newspapers in Manchester and Tullahoma, Tennessee. After receiving a Ph.D. in history, he had a long and distinguished teaching career at Louisiana Tech University.

At Louisiana Tech, Dr. Gilley taught courses in American and German history. He achieved the rank of Full Professor and held the McGinty Chair of History. Upon retirement, he was honored by receiving the title of Professor Emeritus of History.

Dr. Gilley was a very active historian. He served as president of both the Louisiana Historical Association and the North Louisiana Historical Association. He was editor of the Journal of North Louisiana History and Director of McGinty Historical Publications. Among his many publications was a very popular volume of essays on the history of North Louisiana. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and an active member in Sunday School.

Dr. Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Jeanne Mack Gilley, former Dean of Life Sciences at Louisiana Tech, and sister-in-law, The late Dr. Dorothy Mack Strain. Left to cherish his memory is a brother Harry of Manchester, Tennessee; In-laws, Gladys Mack Huff, Dr. Donald Mack, and Mary Mack Attrep; his longtime companion, Nancy O'Neal; and colleagues.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Greg Attrep, Dr. John Hayden, Dr. Donald Mack, Steve Yancey, Dr. David Clemons, Dr. Phillip Cook, Dr. Steven Weber, Duncan McRay, and Dr. Barron O'Neal.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to the Jeanne Mack Gilley Endowment Fund at Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3183

Ruston, LA 71272.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times on Mar. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for B. Gilley

Sponsored by Shreveport Times.

4 Entries

March 28, 2017

My sincere condolences may the family find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time.

Elisabeth Cawthon

March 23, 2017

I recall both of the Dr. Gilleys for their great scholarship and even greater kindness to my family. Heaven has gained a fine historian.

Joe Jernigan

March 23, 2017

TO THE FAMILY OF BILLY H. GILLEY, MAY GOD BE YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR GUIDE, YOUR COMFORT AND YOUR HOPE--- MAY HIS LOVE HELP YOU THROUGH THE TIMES AHEAD AND CHRISHED MEMORIES OF BILLY BE KEPT IN YOUR HEARTS FOREVER. WITH SYMPATHY, THE JERNIGANS, JOE, PAM & THE BOYS---FRIENDS IN TENNIS.

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

March 23, 2017

The Final Salute

Brothers in Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Billy Hawkins Gilley, PhD our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Dr. Gilley. To Dr. Gilley it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Gilley, we commend you for your honorable military service and for your many years served as an educator. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 961 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Dr. Gilley's family and loved ones.

Tommy R. Mills, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Charles Livingston, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

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