Melford Gilley, 83, of Wauchula, passed away on September 6, 2011 at his home. Pastor Gilley was born in Geneva, Alabama on December 14, 1927. He had been a resident of Hardee County for 38 years, moving from Tampa, Fla. He was pastor of Open Door Full Gospel Praise Center in Bowling Green, and served in the U. S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Vida Gilley of Wauchula; four daughters, Darlene Waddell (Chet) of West Palm, Diane Buwalda (David) of Murphy, NC, Denise Lanphear (Keith) of Tenn., and Betty Lou Gilley of Riverview; one son, Melford Brian Gilley (Bonnie) of Zolfo Springs; two step-sons, Terry Carmichael (Beverly) of Orlando and Matt Dillon (Jan) of Sebring; one brother, Lloyd Gilley (Barbara) of Crystal River; one sister, Lois Mills (Pierce) of Lake City; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Robarts Garden Chapel on Friday, Sept. 9th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Open Door Full Gospel Praise Center on Broward Street in Bowling Green. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery.