Mr. Gifford D. Gillingham, 82

Fayetteville Gifford Dean Gillingham, 82, died in Fayetteville, North Carolina on December 30, 2014. He was born on October 24, 1932 in Evanston, Illinois. He was the only son of Vivian Gllingham and Crystal Endicott Gillingham. Giff followed his fathers lead and served in the US Navy being honorably discharged in 1953. He then branched out to his own thing and enlisted in the 82nd Airborne until his honorable discharge in 1956. While stationed at Fort Bragg, Giff met the woman who would prove to be the love of his life. He married Virginia ("Ginny") Coble April 23, 1955. His service extended outside of his profession as he became a Mason as well as a Shriner. He moved to Illinois and lived in Evanston for several years before moving to Buffalo Grove to raise their kids. Giff worked as a fireman for the Village of Skokie, Illinois, and was among those who were the first class of paramedics in that area. He spent his "off" days working on cars or building/flying experimental aircraft. Even after retiring from the fire department and moving down to North Carolina, he had to have a garage big enough to let him build Ultralight Aircraft. This "hobby" led him to meet and befriend a group of people he remained close to even after he no longer visited the flying strip. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Roseboro, officiating will be Rev. Wanda Barrier. Intombment will follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Fayetteville. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the funeral home before the service. Giff was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Grethchen Baum, Donna Feeley and Judy Rubo as well as their spouses. Giff is survived by his wife, Virginia Coble Gillingham; his son,Lee Gillingham of Palatine, Illinois; his son, Brian Gillingham and his wife, Corinna of Mineola, Texas; his daughter Gail Gillingham Rivera and husband, Thomas of Stafford, VA; a granddaughter, Tiffany Warnock and a Great Grandson, Gage. He is also survived by several Step Grandchildren and several Step Great Grandchildren. Arrangements made by Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro St., Roseboro, NC 28382. Funeral: 11:00 AM Saturday, Jan. 03, 2015 at Butler Funeral Home Chapel-Roseboro, officiating will be Rev. Wanda Barrier. Intombment will follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Saturday, Jan. 03, 2015 at the funeral home before the service.