Alonzo Gilyard Jr.

Mr. Alonzo Gilyard, Jr. was born on March 25, 1950, in Orangeburg, South Carolina.  He entered into his eternal rest on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital, Columbia, SC. 

He was pre-deceased by his parents, the late Alonzo Sr. (1991) and Lillie Mae Brown Gilyard (2014).  He is survived by his loving wife of over forty-three (43) years, Mrs. Pat Taylor Gilyard; his devoted daughter, the apple of his eyes, Erica A. Gilyard; sisters: Ginger (Ronald) Benjamin, Willie Mae (Alfred) Hammonds, Gloria, Wanda Gilyard Brown; brothers: Larry Gilyard, Roosevelt (Marguette) Gilyard, Johnny, and Ricky (Mary) Gilyard.

Mr. Gilyard leaves to mourn his passing his In-laws: Emanuel (Bintou) Taylor, Jr., of Seattle, Washington; Rowena (William) Oliver, of Conway, SC; Mary (David) Henderson, and Milton and Alton Taylor of Columbia; Fred Taylor of New York; Tia (Wayne) Thomas, Irmo, SC; and Mary Frances (Godfrey) Phillips, of Roanoke, Virginia. 

Mr. Gilyard’s family of elders who survive him are: an uncle, Raymond Gilyard, Brooklyn, NY; aunts: Loretta Garvin, of Branchville, SC; Arletha and Erma Gilyard, both of Brooklyn, NY; Angie Gilyard, of Charleston, SC; and aunts-in-laws: Ms. Catherine Miller and Dorothy (David Lee) Vogt, both of Vance, SC; Ernestine (Alfred) Davis and Lizzie Mae Stewart, both of Columbia; Flossie Sims, Atlanta, GA; Nettie McCloud and Christine Gilchrist both of Brooklyn, NY along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mr. Gilyard’s family relocated to Columbia in 1954, from Orangeburg, to the State Park, SC,

Community.  He attended the public schools of Richland County School District Two, ending his education at Bethel-Hanbury High School. 

Mr. Gilyard attended Zion Canaan Baptist, Inc. at an early age.  In later years, he restored his fellowship at Zion Canaan and was baptized.   He became a certified trained Scout Master of the Indian Waters Council and assisted in forming a new troop at Zion Canaan (Troop #114).  The love and respect his young mentees had for him and the joy they brought him as he shared life lessons with them lives on.  As adults they would call him and/or send him updates of their lives. 

Mr. Gilyard’s life was his family; and his love for his family was true.  He did his best for each of his family members.  His favorite song was, “Take Me to the King.”  His family and friends will miss him dearly.        

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