Helms Moran Gilley

A memorial service will be conducted for Helms Moran Gilley at Salem United Methodist Church, Salem Church Rd., Patrick Springs, VA, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at 2 p.m. Gilley, 48, the youngest son of Fred T. and Jean Hancock Gilley, died Monday, Dec. 19th, in Lansing, MI.

Salem’s pastor, John B. Franklin, will officiate, but the congregation will be invited to share brief personal memories. Patrick County’s Veterans Memorial Honor Guard also will be invited to offer honors, and the American Flag will be presented by Major Jonathan R. Clark, U.S. Army Reserves of Stuart.
In addition to parents, survivors include Gilley’s wife, Karin Bitzer, DeWitt, MI; a daughter, Jeanette Carrie, and a son, Thomas Gustav, of the home; two stepdaughters, Nicole and Yvonne Berz; a brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery “Jeff” F. and Elena S. Gilley, Mechanicsville, VA. Several local uncles, aunts and cousins also survive, in addition to German in-laws.
Born in Farmville, VA, November 25, 1968, Gilley attended Stuart Elementary and was a 1987 Patrick County High School graduate. Following four years of military service that included the First Gulf War and service in Germany, he enrolled at Patrick Henry Community College, before transferring to East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, from which he graduated cum laude in criminal justice. He also earned a law degree from Thomas Cooley, East Lansing, MI, followed by an online masters in intelligence.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hemochromatosis, Iron Deficiency Institute, P.O. Box 4891, Greenville, SC 29608. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
This obituary is courtesy of Moody Funeral Home in Stuart.

Memorial Service