Walter Gilliard

Walter Gilliard, age 90 entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Potomac, Maryland. Walter, the eldest child of Lover Smith Gilliard and Samuel Quincy Gilliard was born June 24, 1925 in Anderson, South Carolina. Raised primarily in Covington, Kentucky by his father and stepmother Carolyn Gilliard, Walter graduated from William Grant High School prior to serving in the United States Coast Guard during WWII.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Walter matriculated at Kentucky State (College) University where he was a star football player, All-America quarterback and officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Walter graduated from Kentucky State with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and six years later, a Master's degree in Physical Education and Health from the University of Kentucky. In 1954 Walter became the athletic director, and; in 1957, the head basketball coach at the Lincoln Institute in Shelby County, KY. In 1960 he led the first African-American high school in Kentucky (Lincoln Institute's Tigers) to compete for the state basketball championship. Walter continued his education earning his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Counseling and Personnel Education from Kent State University in 1973.

Walter served administratively at Kent State University, Western Illinois University, Central State University and for 12 years as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Dayton until his retirement in 1992. Walter was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a Freemason, 32nd degree. He was a devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board, Christian Education, the Brotherhood, the Mass Choir and the Male Chorus. He also served on the Greene County Board of Health from 1991-2014. In 1993 he was inducted into the Kentucky State University Hall of Fame. In 1997 Walter was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded to individuals by the governor of Kentucky for their public service and work for the advancement of the community, state or the nation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Viola Williams, and his beloved wife of 51 years Patsye McFall Gilliard. His memory will be cherished by his daughters, Renee Griffin (Eric) of Greensboro, NC; Michelle Sheehan (Robert, Jr.) of Silver Spring, MD; Carolyn Williams (Eddie) of Florence, KY; Beverly Harris of Covington, KY; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his beloved nieces and nephews (Gloria Andrews, Walter Williams, Hartzell (Mike) Williams, Nathan Williams, Gerard Williams, and Shelly McNichols), and a host of other relatives, friends and students.

Visitation: Thursday, March 17, 6:00-8:00 pm Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH. Funeral Service: Friday, March 18, 12:00 noon, Tabernacle Baptist Church, 380 S. Broadway, Dayton. OH. Internment: Dayton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: "In Memory of Walter Gilliard" to: Tabernacle Baptist Church, 380 S. Broadway, Dayton. OH 45402 OR to: Scotland AME Zion Church, 10902 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854.