Phillip Everett Gillock's Obituary
Phillip Everett Gillock was born on July 2, 1935 in Arkansas City, KS and passed away on November 8, 2016 in Garland, TX. Parents: Everett Frederick Gillock and Mildred Genevieve Schlecht of Enid, OK, now deceased. Spouse: Kyong Cha Cho, Utah with her daughter, Sharon Dore; Sister: Carlene Sanchez living in Tulsa, OK. Children: Patrick (Brigid) Gillock, Mary (Ben) Williams, Lisa Matthews, Carol (Tom) O’Neil and Kathleen Roe. He also had 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Service: USAF Security Services 1954-1958 active duty and 1958 -1962 reserve duty, Staff Sergeant. Education: Oklahoma State University Technical Institute 1960; St Joseph’s Memorial Catholic School in Enid 1953. Phillip led a full and interesting life as his career took him around the world enjoying many cultures and performing meaningful work primarily for the USAF and the US Government. Once basic training was completed at Lackland AFB, he was sent next door to Kelly AFB for language and communications training and assigned to Kirknewton Airfield outside Edinburgh in Scotland. His forefathers lived only 40 miles away in Perthshire before emigrating to the Colonies 300 years before. He and his buddies toured all of Scotland in a Vauxhall he bought from his Sergeant. He often said, “His time in Scotland was the happiest and most fulfilling of his life”. He met and married his first wife, Ruth Gormley while in Edinburgh. As an Electronics Engineer, he helped build and install systems for various missile silos, communications between the White House, Camp David and the Pentagon and many naval vessels including the USS Enterprise to name a few projects. He maintained the highest level security clearance that can be obtained by a civilian which helped his company a great deal in government contracting. Many friends from his work remained in contact; visiting and helping him. The Sisters of Divine Providence helped raise and refine him as a boy at St. Josephs; throughout his life he wore a cross medal that they gave him as a gift. He enjoyed spending time and working with his Grandfather Frederick and his cousins at the Gillock Orchard in Arkansas City. During his high school years he plowed fields in Western Oklahoma and Colorado part-time for family friends. Phillip also worked for a Veterinarian in Enid where he developed a love for the care of animals. His high school basketball team won the Class A State Championship in 1952 as a result of hard work, not talent (his words); his children and grandchildren continue to share the love for the sport. He adopted 3 stray cats that wandered to his door and they kept him company for several years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, painting, brewing beer and “McGyvering” here and there. He often helped neighbors with odd projects around their houses. We are grateful for his neighbors, who, in turn were very helpful to him especially Tom and Pat. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St Joseph’s Parish in Richardson, TX. Previously he was a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Garland for over 50 years. Throughout his 5 year struggle with cancer he was brave and never complained about the troubles he faced. His children lovingly cared for him in his days of need. Determined to make it to Election Day, he was able to vote in the Presidential Election and fulfill his objective. Thanks to all family, friends, and Vitas for the prayers and support. “May God rest and keep him”. Memorial Contributions can be made to St Joseph’s Catholic Church, please note: In memory of Phillip Gillock. Services will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016 – St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Richardson, TX -10:30 AM Funeral Mass There will be a brief reception at St Joseph’s following the Service, then Interment at Restland Cemetery at 12:45 PM Pallbearers include: Joseph Matthews, Phillip Matthews, Timothy Roe, Gavin Gillock, Andrew Gillock, Ben Williams and Tom O’Neil. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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