Gil Lovelady

Gilbert Beebe Lovelady, III; passed from this earth at the age of 81. Gilbert was born on August 16, 1942 at the Bee Bayou Community, in Richland Parish to his beloved parents,  Gilbert Beebe Lovelady, JR and Ellen Roberta Brady Lovelady. He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Cashonda Martin, grandson, Lavel Black,daughter, Suzette Chambola; his sister Rita Fuller, niece Leigh Ann Waldrop, nephew Troy Dean Waldrop and great niece Lezlie Whitehead.

Left to cherish his memories; wife Lynda Lovelady, brothers: Dwight Lovelady (Brenda) Scott Lovelady (Ann) all of Columbia; sisters: Bertha Kamarainen, Yazoo City, Mississippi, Kay Bowlin (Wayne) West Monroe, LA, Children: Donna Pierce (Wayne) of  Clinton, Mississippi, Gil C. Lovelady (Tanya) Madison, Mississippi,  Terry Lovelady (Cindy) Destin, Florida, Pam Lovelady, Destin, Florida, Michael Lovelady, Baton Rouge, LA and Charlotte Johnson of Columbia, LA. His son-in-law: Mike Chambola of Kelly, LA; Grandchildren: Elliott Lovelady (Rebecca), Laci Lovelady, Layne Lovelady, Parker Pierce(Heather),Mattie Pierce, Eli Lovelady, Ethan Lovelady, Brandy Stephens (Charles) Thomas Black (Celina) Jeremiah Green; great-granchildren: Carlyle, Landon, Weather Lovelady, Fenliegh and Beckham  Pierce, Dakota (Lexie) Emarie, Bristol Black, Maddie, Remington and Olivia Stephens; and great-great- grandchild Teagan and Remi Grace Black; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be  Clay Bennett, Willis Davis, Jason Maxwell, Caleb Duke, Dennis Nugent, Elvis Phillips, Drew Keahey and Dewey Honeycutt. Honorary pallbearers include Buddy James, Jimmy Dale Gaylor, Kandi Owens, Bridgette Maxwell, Jana Steele and Clint Warner.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday May 30, 2024 from the Columbia chapel of Riser & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Billy Lane McClanahan  and Sister Linda Smith officiating. Interment with full military honors  will immediately follow at Bethany Cemetery at Hebert. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday May 29, 2024 at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Gil worked as a carpenter, then on to becoming a pipe liner as a manager/ distributor and night watchman in the warehouse.  He served his country with pride in the United States Army, then continued his love for the country through the American Legion He served as District and State Commander, serving on many committees, Post, District, State and National Grand Chef DeGare of the elite American Legion 40/8 as well as  coaching American Legion Baseball  and Director of Louisiana Boys State.

He served many years as President of  Wish I Could Inc. hosting three and four wheel rides in the Marengo Swamp Ride granting  wishes to terminally ill children. He served as  President of the Columbia Lions Club also serving as Tail Twister which was a favorite. Gil was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed sitting on the porch drinking coffee visiting with family and friends, strolling through Facebook and talking on the phone, watching the grandchildren in their sports, and cooking hamburgers for Caldwell Spartan Baseball Concession. Nappa, Dukes Hardware, Spotted Dog and Guerrero's Rehab   was his favorite places to go to pass out and gather knowledge(Gossip) His face glowed at the mention of those businesses and his grandchildren. Thanks to each of you for watching over and taking care of him. True friends and family.

                                  God's Promises

When sorrow comes, God's Promise are shining Rays of Hope

That breaks through cloudy skies to bring us warmth and help

                         us Cope.

He promises to love us and to hear our every prayer. To comfort

                        and guide us,

And to always just be there. God Promise to give us strength to

                    weather any storm,

To be someone we can lean on who will keep us safe and warm

God will never leave us alone, when skies are gray; as long as

                    we believe and trust

                                His Love will light our way.