Sgt. Donald Morgan “Pappy” Gillingham, 84, U.S. Army Retired, husband of Lynn Anne Gillingham and a resident of Schooner Bay, Onancock, passed away on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, on his farm in Bloxom.
Born Sept. 22, 1934, in Waterloo, Md., he was a son of the late William R. Gillingham and Helen Lowman Gillingham. Mr. Gillingham proudly devoted his life in service to his country, in various capacities. Following retirement from the U. S. Army, with the rank of Sergeant, he continued to serve in the Army National Guard and Civil Service for many years. Once officially retired, he focused on his first love — fishing, a hobby he and his wife, Lynn, enjoyed together. Never idle, Mr. Gillingham was always tinkering, whether he was working on his farm in Bloxom, helping a neighbor, or puttering in the garage on a rainy day. His legacy of commitment and sacrifice to our country, defines the life of a true patriot, although he’d likely prefer to be remembered as the man who caught the biggest fish.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his two sons, William Morgan “Butch” Gillingham and wife, Jean, of Colorado, and Steven Ernest Donald Gillingham, of Charlottesville, Va.; four stepchildren, Elizabeth Camesi, and Jonathan, David, and Jason Jones; sister, Ethel Wiley; brother, Lawrence Gillingham; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Donald Charles “Chuck” Gillingham; and three brothers, William, Morris, and Grover Gillingham.
In accordance with his wishes, no public service will be held.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
