SAMUEL GAILLARD, Sr., (age 88) October 16, 1933 ~ November 18, 2021

On October 16, 1933, Samuel Gaillard, Sr. was born in Bonneville, South Carolina to the late Reverend J.S. and Phyllis Bryan Gailliard.

After attending Bond Wilson High School, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953. Serving as part of the 378th Engineer Combat Battalion during the Korean War was the most significant part of Sam's military service. In 1956, Sam was released from active military duty and served in the U.S. Army Reserve until February 1961 when he was honorably discharged. After serving in the U.S. Army, Sam settled in Washington, D.C., and began working at National Brick Company. In 1959, Sam secured employment with the federal government. He retired from the federal government in January 1996 after 40 years of service.

On October 16, 1960, Sam married Frances Hortense Hunt of Cedar Heights, Maryland. The couple was married for over 61 years and were each other's constant companion.

After arriving in Washington, D.C. from Charleston, S.C. in 1956, Sam began looking for a church home. He joined Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1958 where he was a faithful lifetime member. As an extension of his faith, Sam served on the Senior Usher Board for over 60 years where he gave generously of himself, often serving on short notice. Sam was religious in the practice of his faith. If it was Sunday, Sam was at Metropolitan; and every night he was on his knees in prayer with his characteristic forehead rub.

After a period of illness, on November 18, 2021, God transitioned Sam to eternal rest. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was completely dedicated to his family, his church and his neighbors.