Gary L. Dilley

 

Gary L. Dilley, 72, of Carlinville was called home to heaven on March 12, 2023, while surrounded by loved ones, after a five-year battle with cancer.

Gary was born on Sept. 4, 1950 in Shelbyville, to Dale and Clara (Henderson) Dilley.

He attended Shelbyville High School and really shined as a small town athlete in several sports, including basketball, track, and football. He went on to attend Millikin University, where he played football, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1973.

Gary had a wide range of talents and worked in many fields over the years, ranging from construction to banking and business management. Gary retired from R.P. Lumber’s corporate office in 2018. Following formal retirement, he embarked on a part time career as a Realtor for United Country Real Estate.

Gary loved traveling with his wife to new places, and always looked forward to traveling to Florida.

He and his wife were members of First Christian Church in Girard. An avid reader and life-long learner, he had been looking forward to teaching a Bible study class in the spring.

Gary had a “green thumb”, and was often found outside, working and tending to his many hosta plants and flower beds.

He was an avid member of the Carlinville Pool League and proudly played on “The Old Guys” team for the past twenty years.
Gary married Amy (Mik) Russell in Dec. of 1972 and had a son John Jason- they later divorced.

Gary married Pamela (Vance) Cervi on July 31, 1993.

Gary is survived by his wife Pamela; children John Jason (Virginia “Gini”) Dilley of Bradenton, Florida; Meghan (Jason) Allen, David Cervi, Jordan (Casey) Cervi, all of Carlinville; grandchildren, Madison Lynn “Numero Uno” and Ryan Lee Cervi, Russell “Rusty” Dilley, Sylvia Marie Allen, and Gaten Cervi; brother, Larry (Dody) Dilley of Shelbyville; nieces, Tarrah Kirkpatrick of Windsor, Colorado, Lindsay (Adam) Silca of Timnath, Colorado, as well as their children; mother-in-law, Janie Vance of Palmyra; brother-in-law, Brad (Wendy) Vance of Virden; several nieces, a nephew and nine great nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Clara; father-in-law, Norman Vance, and a sister-in-law, Cindy Hinds.

Visitation will be held for Gary on Friday, March 24 at First Christian Church in Girard from 4 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow.

Memorials may be made to the MCDD (Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled) or First Christian Church.

Visit heinzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.