Johnnie Lee Gilreath

Johnnie Lee Gilreath, 80, of 201 Brannon Ave, died February 19, 2015, he was the first born child to James and Flora Bell (Mary) Cox Gilreath, on December 29, 1934 followed by five brothers and one sister. Mr. Gilreath grew up in Tigerville area and attended local schools. His first job was with S.C. Highway Department as a truck driver. Then was an employee at Southern Bleachery where he worked for seven years. Then an opportunity of a life-long dream came true when he was hired as a police officer with the Greer Police Department where he worked for seven years. He loved his time in law enforcement and was respected and appreciated for his service there. As his family grew, he accepted the opportunity to provide for them by becoming an employee of a new local plant – Hoechst Celanese Plastics, which was another dream accomplished when he became a master industrial mechanic. He worked at Hoechst Celanese until his health brought about his retirement after 30 years of service. Johnnie was a dedicated and loving husband, dad and Papa to his family, always wanting to care and provide for them in every way to the best he could and was able to do. He was a sincere and quiet Christian man, having accepted Christ as his Savior at age 12, baptized and continued to serve his Lord as long as his health permitted. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and loved his church family. He especially supported Barbara in her mission efforts, working extra weeks for the financial funds needed. His comment was “I can’t go, but I can send her”. He was a big man. He leaves a large empty space in our lives, physically but an even bigger one in our hearts. In his last hours, he shared his love for his Lord, giving his family what we called mini-sermons and giving us a vision of what he was seeing in Heaven. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Ellen Henson Gilreath of the home; three sons, Bobby Gilreath (Pam) of Greer; Les Gilreath (Rose Ann) of Inman and Loren Gilreath (Tammy) of Taylors; five brothers, Gaston Gilreath (Jenny) of Travelers Rest, Melvin Gilreath (Brenda) of Travelers Rest, Hardin Gilreath (Judy) of Taylors, Nelson Gilreath (Lee) of Goose Creek and Ansel Gilreath (Meri) of Taylors; one sister, Shirley Merck (Joe) of Travelers Rest and three grandchildren, Fonda, Bailey and Gavin. Mr. Gilreath was predeceased by a grandson, Jonathon Luke Gilreath. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Eddie Leopard and Dr. Tom Burns. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held 12:30-1:45 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church. Donations may be made to Fairview Baptist Church Building Fund, 1300 Locust Hill Road, Greer, S.C. 29651. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Johnnie Lee Gilreath

December 29, 1934 - February 19, 2015