Wilmer Gilyard, Sr., 90, native and lifelong resident of San Mateo, peacefully entered the sunset of life surrounded by his devoted family at his residence on Friday, May 1, 2015. The son of Aaron and Isabel (Mitchell) Gilyard, he was born on Wednesday, June 25, 1924. He was a 1943 graduate of Central Academy High School. He was an honorably discharged World War II U. S. Army veteran. On January 19, 1949, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Georgian Holsey and they honored their marital vows for 63 years (she preceded him on August 23, 2013). They were devoted parents of their nine children and three of their grandchildren. As a farm labor contractor over many years, the Gilyard family traveled along the East Coast harvesting crops. He was a loyal, longtime member of New Bethel A.M.E Church of San Mateo, faithfully serving in numerous ministries, especially as Trustee (later honored as Trustee Emeritus), Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, and the Seasoned Seniors' Choir. Wilmer was an avid gardener who also enjoyed coaching softball, laughing, talking, and spending time with his family. He was an avid New York Mets baseball fan. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in eternal rest by his son, Melvin Gilyard; daughter, Hazel McKinnon; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Gilyard. He leaves to cherish his memories: sons and daughters, Levonia Holsey (special friend, Curtis Davis), Hamilton, NJ; Wilmer (Jackie) Gilyard, Jr., Jacksonville; Larry (Linda) Gilyard, Regina (Harry) Thomas, and Sandra "Sandy" Gilyard, Keith Gilyard, all of San Mateo; Rodney Gilyard, Palatka; Mitchell McKinnon, San Mateo, Sharon "Sherry" (Bernard) Hardy, Palatka, Fredrick (Claretta) McKinnon, Atlanta, GA; sister, Lillian Gilyard Lee, San Mateo; brother, Clarence Gilyard, Sr., East Palatka; sister-in-law, Lilla Holsey, San Mateo; 44 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and caring friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 8, at New Bethel A.M.E Church, 154 North Boundary Road, San Mateo, Reverend Mary Alice Murphy Pastor. Homegoing Celebration with Military Honors will be 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Reverend Mary Alice Murphy is the eulogist. Reverend Walter J. Lassiter, II, Pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Port Tampa, is presiding. Interment will be in the San Mateo Cemetery. The cortege will assemble 10:15 a.m. Saturday at Browning-Pearce Elementary School, San Mateo.