Gary Chilson

Gary Chilson, age 88, of Elkin NC, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday June 17 at the Hugh Chatham Hospital. 

Gary was born in Sayre, PA on July 30, 1936 to Walter and Geraldine Chilson of Waverly. 

He was a 1954 graduate of Waverly High School, and served in the US Marine Corp from 1954 - 1957. 

During his service, he met Irene Thornton of Four Oaks NC. They married on October 15, 1957. For 67 years, their marriage was bonded with love and dependency on each other. 

After several deployments and his discharge from the Marine Corps, Gary began his career as a mail carrier for the Waverly Post office. He held many different positions until 1978, when he became the first, non-political appointed Postmaster in Waverly. One of his proudest accomplishments was assisting the Town of Barton in numbering the rural area for the 911 system. He served as Postmaster for 14 years until his retirement on November 20, 1992. 

Gary was a member of the Chemung Christian Church, and an active board member and treasurer of the North Waverly Chapel previously. 

Gary was a member of the Waverly Rotary since 1979 and had 40 years of perfect attendance. Gary served as President from 1983-1984. Throughout his 40 years of service he received many awards, including the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary’s highest honor. In 2020, Gary was made an honorary Member.  

Gary was an active outdoorsman for many years and one of the founding members of the Lockwood Farmers and Sportsman Club. He was also a wood worker and made stands, banks, games, and more. 

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Chilson and grandson Anthony Chilson. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene; son Timothy (Robyn) Chilson and Scott (Debra) Chilson living in North Carolina; daughter Terry Lynn Chilson of Lockwood, NY; grandson Michael (Bethany) Chilson of Alburqueque, NM; sister Gail Felczak of Waverly, NY; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Services will be held at Mill Creek Christian Church at 747 Mill Creek Church Rd, Four Oaks, NC 27524 on Saturday, June 21 with viewing from 1-2, the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow the services with military honors.

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