Richard Edwin Gillock

Richard Edwin Gillock, 93, of Salem, Virginia, has joined his late mother and father, Opal Black Gillock and Howard J. Gillock; cherished wife Jane Wheeland Gillock; brothers, Howard Leon, Wesley Duane, Gene Maurice, and daughter, Elizabeth E. Thompson, in their heavenly home.

Born in Roanoke, Va. on May 2, 1930, Ed was a graduate of Jefferson High School and he recalled school years with fondness. He was a proud veteran of the United States Airforce, and after an honorable discharge, went on to become a graduate of Virginia Tech. It was there that he met his wife Janie, to whom he was married for 48 years. He was a member of the Hokie Club, attended many of the men’s and women’s basketball games and was a football season ticket holder for over 40 years. His church homes were First United Methodist and Central United Methodist, both in Salem. He had a great faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and read and studied his devotionals daily. His relationship with and love of Jesus were what gave him strength and courage through some very difficult times in his life. He was a kind and gentle man of integrity, and a commonsense Conservative. His sense of humor was one of the best things that he was known for and will be missed by many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Joe; daughters, Carol Gillock (Jim) Dean of York, SC and Barbara L. Maier of New Bern, N C; former spouse, Frances Patrick of Roanoke, VA. He also leaves to mourn three grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church, or the The BrightFocus Foundation for Macular Degeneration.