MATHEW GILYARD

Mathew Matt Jelly Gilyard, Sr. 70, of Palatka, answered his Saviours call to enter eternal rest on Sunday morning, December 12, 2010, at Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine following an extended illness. A native of Palatka, Florida, he was the son of Mathis & Leola (Adams) Gilyard, born Sunday, February 25, 1940. Mathew was a graduate of Central Academy High School, class of 1957 and played the trombone in the Marching Bulldogs Band. He was a patriot who served our nation in the U.S. Army, participated in The United States Army Band, and was honorably discharged on April 30, 1964. Mathew was united in holy matrimony to the former Betty Wiggins of St. Augustine on February 26, 1965. He was a loyal longtime employee of Palm Pharmacy (for over 30 years) managing duties to include inventory and delivering meds under registered Pharmacist, former Palatka Mayor Eugene L. Punk Walker until Eckerds purchased them. From March 1994 through March 2005, Matt was employed at Ride Solutions with Boyd Thompson, where he coordinated daily operations, supervised schedules and drivers, and was a third-party CDL examiner, performing his duties with his easy going, generous nature until retirement. During his early years, he was a member of St. Joseph Primitive Baptist Church. Mathew was a good listener who really loved the Lord. He enjoyed participating in bible study while serving the Lord as a member of To God Be the Glory Holiness Church under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves. The Gilyard family united with Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church in August 2009. Mathew was faithful in Sunday School and Bible Study. He also served in the Mens ministry and the Seniors ministry. His hobbies and interests included watching television, listening to music, playing computer games, fishing, and monitoring his scanner. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts football fan. Mathew was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Mathis and Leola Gilyard; and brother, Major Gilyard, Sr.

Mathew was the dedicated husband of 45 years to his beloved wife, Betty L. Gilyard, Palatka; He was the loving father of Terricena "Terri" Flagg and husband, Reverend (Mayor) Karl Flagg, Palatka; Paul Gilyard, Sr., and wife, Xiomara Gilyard, Anchorage, Alaska; Mathew Matt Jr. Gilyard, Jr., and wife, Bermodie Gilyard, Hastings; He was the caring grandfather of Paul Gilyard, Jr., Karla Flagg, Matisha Gilyard, Kandyce Flagg, Bobby Smith, Jr., Andre Evans, Rogelio Simmons, Larry Simmons, Leon Hunter and Brandon Johnson; He was the thoughtful brother of Dr. Ruth Lowe-Reaves and Ola Mae Bell, both of Palatka; brother-in-law of Helen (Minister Anthony) Williams, Palatka and Joe Norris Wiggins, St. Augustine; godfather of Terri Jean Foster-Cooper, William Stroman, and LaHazel Lewis; numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; cousins and classmates; other special relatives and friends; special friends, Donald Hall, David Stroman, and James Polite, Sr.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, December 17 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church. Homegoing Celebration will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 18, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. The Reverend Karl N. Flagg, pastor is the eulogist and the Reverend Dr. George E. McRae, officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery. The cortege will assemble on Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at the Gilyards residence, 507 West Palmetto Street, Palatka.