Rodney James Gilyard, Sr., 63, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Putnam Community Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. A native of Palatka, he was the son of Wilmer and Georgian (Holsey) Gilyard, Sr., born on Tuesday, June 21, 1955. He was a 1973 graduate of Palatka South High School, and participated in U.S. Army basic training, before returning home to enter the workforce. Rodney worked as a farm laborer and was a former employee of Mathews Moving and Storage. Rodney was a member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Mateo and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his wife, Cynthia Gilyard; mother-in-law, Irene Small; brother, Melvin Gilyard; sister, Hazel Gilyard.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sons and daughters, Rodney Gilyard, Jr., Toronda Gilyard, Rodnshei Gilyard, Sharmaine Gilyard, all of Palatka; Milton Manley, Jr., Gainesville; Tabitha (Christopher) Jackson, Palm Coast; 19 grandchildren; siblings, Wilmer (Jackie) Gilyard, Jr., Jacksonville; Levonia Holsey, Hamilton, NJ; Larry (Linda) Gilyard, Keith Gilyard, Regina (Harry) Thomas, Sandra Gilyard, Sharon Hardy, all of San Mateo; Mitchell McKinnon, Jr., Palatka; Fred (Claire) McKinnon, Atlanta, GA; special friend, Mia Nelson; god-brother, Thomas Woodward, Jr.; god-sister, Helen Woodward, San Mateo; aunts, Dr. Lilla Holsey, Lillian Lee, both of San Mateo; uncle, Clarence Gilyard, East Palatka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 10, at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 154 N. Boundary Rd., San Mateo, Rev. Mary Alice Murphy, Pastor. Homegoing Celebration: 3 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor. Pastor Murphy is the eulogist. Interment: Old San Mateo Cemetery.