Thomas Allen Gilley's Obituary
Thomas “Tom” Allen Gilley of Trinidad, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born on July 25, 1936, to Quimby L. Gilley and Selfa A. Gilley in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Tom graduated from Barnsdall High School and went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where he was a proud member of the Ride 'em Cowboy Band and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
Tom honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was a dedicated member of the Army Band and worked to ultimately attain the position of Drill Sergeant 1st Class. After completing his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to the United States & military service in the US Army Reserve, for 20 more years.
In the early 1960s, Tom embarked on a long and successful career in the insurance industry. Starting as a Claims Adjustor for Southwestern Life in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he quickly rose to roles in employee benefits, insurance consulting, and sales management & with various national insurance firms throughout his career. In 1998, he transitioned to a fulfilling role with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, where he served diligently until his retirement.
A devoted 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, Tom was an active member of the Fort Worth Moslah Temple before transferring to Dallas’ Hella Temple; where he was later recognized & awarded as a 50 Year Member. He enjoyed being an active member of the Hella Drum & Bugle Corps for 15 years. His volunteer spirit was evident throughout his life, particularly in his service as a TAPS bugler, performing at memorial services for military personnel and fallen officers of the Dallas Police and Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1967, Tom met Dell Edge at Oklahoma State University, and they soon married. The union was blessed with twins, Tom, and Todd Gilley. Tom & Dell established their home in Richardson Tx and attended the First Christian Church in Richardson. Though they later divorced in 1987, Tom found love again with Jane “Janie” Harper, a retired schoolteacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma. They married and made their home in Trinidad, Texas, in 2001, where they created a joyful life filled with laughter, love, and a deep passion for college football, the Dallas Cowboys, music, and Tom’s several English Bulldogs & Janie’s several Terrier’s.
Tom’s love of life was passionate. He was a talented trumpeter who enjoyed playing and listening to music of all genres, cheering enthusiastically for his favorite football teams, cooking delicious meals for family and friends, and sharing his sharp, quick-witted humor with everyone he met. Tom & Janie’s neighbors fondly remember the joy they both brought to their community, offering children help with their homework, sharing snacks, and spreading happiness to the children who loved to visit their home.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Quimby and Selfa Gilley; his sister, Irma Lee Nash, and her husband, Curtis Nash; his nephew, Michael Nash; and his beloved wife of 23 years, Janie Gilley.
He is survived by his son, Todd Gilley of Richardson, Texas; his son, Tom Gilley, and his wife, Karen, of Lewisville, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren (the children of Tom & Karen): Lauren Alpire and her husband, Caleb, of Leander, Texas; Grant Gilley of Lewisville, Texas; and Lexie Gilley of Haverwood Massachusetts. Tom’s family and friends will forever remember his zest for life, his love of music and family, and the countless moments of joy and laughter he shared with everyone who knew him.
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