William Clarence Gilley age 91, passed away at home in Independence MO on April 29, 2026. Bill was born to E. D. and Bonnie Gilley in Lake City, AR on Sept 29, 1934. He was raised in Arkansas and graduated from Dixie High School in Dixie, AR.   After graduation Bill served in the US Army stationed in Germany where he worked in the motor pool.

Bill retired from Ford Motor Company at the Kansas City Assembly Plant as a member of UAW local 249 with 35 years seniority. Bill and his wife Virginia (Ginny) were members of Waypoint Church in Kansas City, MO.  After retirement Bill started two businesses, Mozark Custom Vans and another company that was the Missouri distributor for Starglas* running boards.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, E. D. and Bonnie Gilley, his brother Carl Gilley, his brother Gary Gilley, along with sister-in-law Deborah (Owens) Gilley, nephew Slade Gilley, as well as his sister Clara Harrison.

Bill is survived by his wife Ginny, along with his stepsons, stepdaughter, numerous step grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sons, Bill Scott Gilley and Jim Wayne Gilley, adopted daughter Megan Gilley, by brothers Jake Gilley, Rocky Gilley, as well as sisters Rosie (Gilley) Hudson, JoAnn (Gilley) Taylor, Peggy (Gilley) Starr, Pat (Gilley) Fletcher, and Darlene (Gilley) Etter.

During his lifetime Bill was an avid fisherman and was famous to family and friends for throwing his epic fish fry gatherings.

Services to be held at Waypoint Church, 4901 Lee's Summit Rd, Kansas City MO, 64136 on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 2:00 pm.  Interment will be private.

Donations to honor him can be made to Waypoint Church.