Leroy Gilley

Funeral services for Mr. Leroy Gilley, 87, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 9, 2025, at First Methodist Church, Monroe, with Dr. Brian Mercer officiating, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. A private family interment will be at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Leroy relocated to his Heavenly home on June 7, 2025, following a sudden illness.

Leroy was born in Mangham, LA, to Claude and Cleo Hays Gilley. He grew up in the Mangham/Rayville area where he attended school. In 1951, at the age of 14, he moved to New Orleans and worked in the shipyards crawling into the hull of the ships working as a helper for the men driving rivets. In October 1953, he met the love of his life, Louise, at the old skating rink in Monroe. After dating for 4 ½ months, they married March 3, 1954. This past March they celebrated 71 years of marriage. From their union, four sons were born: Danny, Randy, Larry and Keith. Leroy served in the Louisiana National Guard for 8 years after joining at the age of 15. After his first son was born, he attended night school and graduated from West Monroe High School in 1957. In 1961, he owned a successful business as a painting contractor. Then in 1966, he opened Gilley Realty and Builders where he sold real estate and worked as a general contractor. Leroy spent 40 years building homes and commercial buildings throughout North Louisiana. He served as the President of the Home Builders Association, was a Mason and member of the Barak Shrine where he was a member of the motorcycle Camel Rider Group. In 1964, he served as President of the Lakeshore Lions Club. He was a 45-year member of the First Methodist Church in Monroe. Of all his numerous awards, Leroy considered his greatest achievement his family, whom he loved dearly.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Odel Gilley; sister, Laverne Morgan; mother-in-law, Frankie Kinney; sons, Danny Gilley and Larry Gilley; and daughter-in-law, Patti Gilley. He is survived by his wife, Louise Gilley; daughter-in-law, Karen Gilley; sons, Randy Gilley (Tricia) and Keith Gilley (Cheryl); grandchildren, Stacey, Daniel, Randall, Vikki, Rachee’, Lee, Jenny and Wayne. He is also survived by 3 step-grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leroy’s honor to First Methodist Church in Monroe, or the charity of your choice.