Earley Calvin Gillie

 

Earley Calvin was born to the late Earley Blain and Claudia Elizabeth Earles Gillie in Draper, North Carolina on November 13, 1933.  He graduated from Draper High School in 1952 and went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1953. After marrying Doris in 1955, Calvin went on to have a successful Navy career of 22 years, leading his family to live abroad in Spain for five of those years, and retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1975. Calvin’s adventure would continue as he worked at Durham Technical Community College from 1975 to 1993 where he was promoted to Senior Assistant to the President and retired on January 1, 1994. Like the Navy, his work at Durham Tech gave him several opportunities to travel the world, visiting a total of 65 countries over his lifetime. He continued to enjoy traveling well into his latter years.

 

Calvin came from humble roots and established a powerful legacy for the generations that follow behind; his faith, his strength of spirit, his strong bond of family, his love of travel, his tenderness toward others, and his passion for learning are just a few of the enduring attributes he leaves behind. He was a great example to all who had the fortune of encountering him.

 

Calvin is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Doris Ann Gillie, his son-in-law, Robert Donald Allen, his sisters Mildred Earles Spharler (Troy) and Inez Gillie Heath (Darvin), his brothers Thomas Irvin Gillie and William Wayne Gillie (Hilda). He is survived by his six children: Vicki Gillie Allen, Denise Gillie Johnson (Mark), Scott Gillie (Rosalind), Thomas Gillie (Angela), Joel Gillie (Lisa), and James Gillie (Ingela). Additionally, he is survived by his two sisters, Janice Gillie Turner (Robert) and Frances Gillie Leake (Bill). His legacy continues with his 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

The family would like to acknowledge Gay Robin Reid McCants who provided loving care, comfort, and heartfelt companionship to our dad during the last chapter of his life.

 

A funeral service with military honors will be held on October 9th, at the Beaufort National Cemetery (1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC 29902) at 09:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org <http://www.alz.org/>) or Wreaths Across America (<https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/> )