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Larry Gilreath Obituary
BELTON, S.C.
1SG Larry Malcolm Gilreath, Sr., USA, (Ret), 80, of 254 Sherwood Drive, husband of Mary Jean Farmer Gilreath, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the Rainey Hospice House.
Born January 1, 1935 in Anderson, he was the son of the late Guy T. and Fannie Ruth Massey Gilreath. He was retired from the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. 1SG Gilreath later retired from the Anderson County Sheriff's Department and Crescent Supply. He was a member of Marshall Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as Secretary and Treasurer for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jean Gilreath of the home; son, Larry Malcolm "Mac" Gilreath and wife, Connie of Central; daughter, Cindy Gilreath of Greenville; son, Terry Leonard of Belton; daughter, Tina Leonard Moore of Honea Path; grandchildren, Ashlee Gilreath, Abby Gilreath, Hannah Sexton, and granddaughter raised in the home, Amie Arflin and husband, Michael; great grandchildren, Taylor, Landon and Alston Arflin; brothers, Wilburn Gilreath, Donnie Gilreath and wife, Janice, and John Gilreath and wife, Lucia; sisters, Annette Martin and husband, Ray, and Nancy Smith and husband, Bob.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jan Popham; granddaughter, Jamie Jones; grandson, Josh Popham; brothers, Guy Overcash, Doug Gilreath and Ronnie Gilreath; and a sister, Bertie Lou Meredith.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center of Anderson conducted by Rev. Ray Martin. Burial, with full military honors, will be at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Saturday at Sullivan-King Mortuary. The family is at the residence.
Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Sullivan-King Mortuary
www.sullivanking.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Gilreath
July 8, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Larry, as well as your family was always kind and welcoming to our family at the Ia Drang Reunions. He will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Pat Kroger
and Nancy Konczyk, (Jeff's sister)
July 6, 2015
1SG Gilreath was one of the finest NCO's to serve in the Army.
His wisdom and leadership were and example to all. In battle he
displayed courage that inspired many to actions that saved lives.
One of these was my little brother. My family is of course grateful
and wishes the Gilreath family our deepest sympathy.
MAJ (Ret) John T. Tunison USA
Grant & Becky Leonard
July 3, 2015
So sorry to hear about your loss. We have nothing but fond memories of Larry over the years. A very good man and a blessing to everyone he met. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Lynn "scatter brain" Bryant
June 27, 2015
Love to all!
Larry Simpson
June 27, 2015
Nancy,Bobby and family.
Sorry about the passing of your brother Larry.Nancy.I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Larry D. Simpson
Bill Beck
June 27, 2015
'Sarge' was always a gentleman and a great soldier. He will be missed but never forgotten, may he be at peace. Bill (Lz X-Ray) & Jen Beck.
Cheryl Desjarlais MSG Ret Army
June 27, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. RIP Top.
Angie Stringer
June 27, 2015
Cindy and Mac, you and the entire Gilreath family are in our prayers during this time of tremendous loss! We have confidence that "Uncle Larry" is in the presence of our Lord and the Angels are celebrating his homecoming!
He is truly one of our national treasures. He faithfully served our nation and our community.throughout his entire life. His service deserves no less than the highest gratitude from us! Please don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything!
Brian Dyar
June 26, 2015
A great man and a true hero. Our prayers go out to the Gilreath family.
Randy & Leisa Fowler
June 26, 2015
Mac, Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mr.Larry was a wonderful man,we will never forget our times spent with him even if they were few,we always loved hearing his army stories! God is blessed with a Special Angel.
Robert Cartee
June 26, 2015
Might not remember me, you guys called me Biscuit, so sorry about your loss. This world lost a great man but Haven got a little brighter & the good news is its only a short time before we will see him again. I have a lot of great memories from eating with y'all on Sunday nights. He and all of you made me feel like I was part of the family & I am truly blessed to have known all of you. You have my prayers today & for the days ahead as you all say goodbye to a fine gentlemen. May God bless & comfort each of you in His own special way.
Liz Loran
June 26, 2015
Cindy & family: It is with heavy heart I send you wishes for the peace, comfort, and fond memories your Daddy would want you to have now.
sam frazier
June 26, 2015
Best man I ever met a true hero!!
teddy trksak-bishop
June 25, 2015
A true american hero . He will be missed by many . God bless his family . My prayers and yhoughts are with you all. Cindy you are a great daughter.im proud to call u friend .
Ron Saxton
June 25, 2015
Hand salute. Respect.
Christopher Dunham
June 25, 2015
Deepest sympathy in the passing of a true American hero.
You all must be so proud. God bless.
Tim Millar
June 25, 2015
A fine soldier and a good man. Wish I'd served with you, Top. Rest in peace.
Robert Barker
June 25, 2015
Salute! Rest in Peace, 1st Sergeant.
Charles E Ousley
June 25, 2015
My condolences to all.
Randy Espinosa Sr
June 25, 2015
Condolences and Taps to the family. Keep the coffee hot.Top. Hooah.
keith camic
June 25, 2015
God Bless, lots of respect for the soldiers and what they've did for their country.
Derrell, Jill, & Drake Kinley
June 25, 2015
Cindy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Bonnie Banister-Jester
June 25, 2015
Cindy and Mac, I am so sorry about Mr. Larry. He was a great man serving his country in one of the worst battles of the Vietnam war. He was a great father and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayer are with each of you and all his family. God Bless and comfort you.
Mia Glover
June 25, 2015
Mac I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Gilreath. Will continue to keep your entire family in prayer.
Mia Glover
Shelly Bare Brand
June 25, 2015
I have fond memories of my time spent in the Gilreath household. Sending love and prayers to you all
Linda Beck
June 25, 2015
I worked with Larry in Warrants & Civil Div. at the Anderson Sheriffs Dept. He was a good man and I enjoyed working with him. He had a good sense of humor but was sincere with his work. Our thoughts and and prayers are with all the family
Furman & Linda Beck
Cora Shirley
June 25, 2015
Rev.Ray and Annette Martin, so sorry to hear that your Brother and brother-in Law passed.I will be praying far the family. your freind from New Liberty Baptist Church.
Laurie(Brooks) Helman
June 25, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vicki Bowman
June 25, 2015
Even though I only actually met your Dad that one time, Cindy, I felt as though I knew him from all of your Larry stories. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Hamby
June 25, 2015
Sorry your loss Your Dad was a good man and will be missed.Thinking of the family in our thought and prayers. We loved you Jean.God Bless you. Betty Hamby and Annie Ruth Mitchell
Daryl Loftis
June 25, 2015
In working with Lt. Gilreath for a lot of years, I never called him Larry out of the greatest respect for him. He was a hard worker, he truly cared for his fellow workers, and the respect for him by all who knew him was unequaled. A true American hero, I am truly blessed to have known him. My prayers are with the family.
Steve and Arlette Jones
June 25, 2015
We both worked with Larry at the Sheriffs Office for a few years. He was such a good man and always enjoyed his sense of humor. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
June 25, 2015
Larry was a true warrior and a fellow Cavalryman.He was on the first helicopter that went into the Ia Drang valley Nov.1965.
Betty Hamby
June 25, 2015
Sorry for the loss of your love one . I know he will be missed . Know you are in our thoughts and prayers and you have our sympathy.God Bless the family.Betty Hamby and Annie Ruth Mitchell and family.
virginia waldrop
June 25, 2015
Rev.Ray and Annette Martin sorry about the death of your Brother and Brother-in Law.I will be praying for you and your family, your friend from New Liberty Baptist Church.
Bill Franklin
June 24, 2015
Jean....Your "My Larry" was one special soldier and a fine Southern gentleman. I know he had to be an equally good husband and father. The 50th Year Reunion in April was not the same without Larry Gilreath and family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Sara Franklin
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