Reverend Learon Gilford, 84, of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Florida Hospital Flagler, Palm Coast. The son of James M. and Nettie (Jones) Gilford, he was born on Saturday, April 1, 1933 in Gainesville, Florida. He was educated in the Alachua County School District and subsequently enlisted into the U.S. Army. SFC (E-7) Gilford was a retired Culinary Specialist following 20+ years of honorable service earning numerous awards including the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) and Bronze Star Medal. He was also an Adjunct Professor teaching Culinary Arts at Mercer County College, Trenton, NJ. In Burlington, NJ, he was a member and Deacon of Tabernacle Baptist Church. In 2004, the Gilford family relocated to Palm Coast and united with Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He was appointed an Associate Minister and was also a member of the Male Chorus and the Nursing Home Ministries. He was also a member of the Palm Coast African American Mentoring Program and really enjoyed his mentees and often took them on trips.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his 10 siblings, Enondus, Beatrice, Mayola, Juanette, Clyde, Claude, Clarence, Inez, Nathaniel and Welton Sr.

To cherish his memories: loving and devoted wife, Lorraine Gilford; sons, Learon E. Gilford, Maurice Gilford; daughter, Latifa Z. Seely; sister, Claudine King; 7 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be 10 a.m., Saturday, May 20, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South, Palm Coast, with visitation 9-10 a.m. Reverend Edwin Coffie, Pastor of Mt. Calvary, is the eulogist. The U.S. Army Honor Guard will conduct full military honors immediately following the services at the church. Interment: 11 a.m., Monday, May 22 in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.