Carroll H. (Gilly) Gillingham, 86, of Freeport, IL., passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, in Freeport, IL. Carroll was born the son of Floyd and Myra (nee Bender) on April 15, 1940, in Richland County, WI.

Carroll married the love of his life, Sandra (nee DeVries) on June 23, 1962 at Baileyville Baptist Church and together they raised four wonderful children. Over Carroll’s working career he proud to be a farmer, feed salesman and bus driver. Carroll honorably served our country in the U.S. Army, where he worked in the post office during his enlistment. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife devoted and loving, Sandra; four children, sons David (April) Gillingham, Daniel (Emily) Gillingham, both of Freeport, IL; daughters, Teresa (Kevin) Meyer of Forreston, IL, and Nancy (Philip) Maize of Freeport, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amber (Jay) Kim and their son Samuel of Celebration, FL., Andrew (Sarah) Gillingham and their children Thomas, Braeden, William and Gemma of Wake Forest, SC, Anthony Gillingham of Pittsburg, PA, Aaron (Alexandria) Gillingham and their children Elliot and Nicholas of Youngstown, NC, Austin, Alec and Arek Gillingham at home, Zachary (Krystal) Meyer and their children Kolby, Liam and Kallie of Blackhawk, CO, Benjamin (Samantha) Meyer and their children Jaxon and Hudson of Vancleave, MS, Brittney Meyer of Greer, SC, Michael Meyer of Kearney, NE, Jayson (Moira Loring) Maize of Freeport, IL, Jennifer (Devon Lawrence) Maize of Machesney Park, IL, Adam, Rachel, Caleb and Rebekah Gillingham at home. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters-in-law, Myrna (Mark) Lohman, and Darlene (John) Maaske, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Myra Gillingham; siblings, Robert Gillingham, Richard (Donna) Gillingham, Mavis (Richard) Disch and Mary Bowen; In-laws, Relman and Florence DeVries; brother-in-law, Leon Gasmund.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Burke-Tubbs Funeral, 504 N. Walnut, Freeport, IL 61032.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at Baileyville Baptist Church, 303 Franklin, Baileyville, IL 61007. Pastor Gary Branam will officiate. There will also be a  visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Cranes Grove Cemetery.