"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest (just in case) any man should boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at 9:40pm at the Carlyle Senior Care located in Blackville, SC, Vincent Jerome Gilliard, passed away peacefully and providentially.

Vincent was born November 29th, 1960, in Charleston, SC. He was the son from the marriage of the late William Leroy Gilliard, Sr, and Pastor Barbara Gilliard.

Vincent was a man of a unique, free and lively spirit. From the days when he garnered the "Mr. Rivers High School Prom King" contest, to the corridors of Burke High School, to the animated Drum Major for the Burke High School Marching Band, to Job Corps, to the track and baseball field with his athletic prowess, to his high school sweetheart, to the perilous journeys of the street life, to the path of the "prodigal son" back to the Father's House, to accepting the Gift of Salvation which comes through Jesus Christ, to the "peace which passes understanding", to the joys of celebrating his nephews' (KJ & Josiah) successes on the basketball courts, to the thrills of Wrestling Mania, to letting his "light" shine in Blackville at the Carlyle Senior Care Home, to the mantra of, when asked, "How are you doing, Vincent? He would always respond, "Just takin' 'em easy", to the signature declaration at the end of each phone call or each visit, "Love ya."

For those of us who knew Vincent as either a son, brother, uncle, cousin or friend cherishes the special qualities which he could so readily display.  He was a sensitive and caring man. He easily made a friend of a stranger.  One word that captures a unique quality about Vincent was "persistent."  This quality at times came at the expense of working on others' last good nerve! But more often than not, he achieved his goal, with a "Love ya" to convey his gratitude for whatever inconveniences he might have place upon you.  Another quality he had was "passion." He was passionate about those he held near and dear to his heart.  He was passionate about standing up for others who were being wronged.  He was, which might be surprising to some, quite meticulous and detailed, well-dressed and particular about his color coordination when it came to fashion and grooming.  He also exuded a certain humility and respect to those in positions of authority and especially around his elders, careful to respond with "Yes, Mam" or Yes, Sir."

In this life, many will walk in and out of your life, but a true friend leaves footprints upon the heart.  We thank God for allowing Vincent to leave "footprints" upon our hearts.  Memories of you will be talked about and retold, celebrated and cherished. So, until that day in which we will be reunited, "Love ya."

Vincent leaves behind loved ones to cherished memories: his mother, Pastor Barbara Gilliard; his siblings: (predeceased) Captain Ronald Gilliard (Shelia), Noel, Gary, Sonya Bryce (Curtis), Salahudeen Saafir (Carmen), Cheryl, Roy (Sylvia), Maurice, the Honorable Wendell Gilliard, Tony Washington (Creola), Jimmy Bowman, Veronica, Ramona, Darla, Dorothy (predeceased), Laverne and Sharon.  He also leaves fond memories to many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Special thanks to Vincent's aide, Natalie, and the staff at Carlyle Senior Care in Blackville, SC.  Your professional care, compassion and respectful treatment of Vincent over the years were greatly appreciated.  You were a blessing in so many ways.