Jimmy Gaillard

Jimmy Wayne Gaillard, 86, passed peacefully into glory at Diversicare of Ripley Monday evening, February 13, 2023. Through the assurance of his faith in the Lord, it was a day he had longed and looked forward to in the last year. Jimmy was born on March 16, 1936 to Ben Evan and Callie Belle McElory Gaillard in Tippah County. Jimmy was a faithful, dedicated Christian growing up in the New Prospect Presbyterian Church. Jimmy moved his membership to the Ripley Presbyterian Church when his family moved from their farm to a home in Ripley. He served the Ripley Church as a Youth Leader, a Deacon, and later as an Elder. After he and his sister, Bernice, bought a home on the Dumas Rd, Jimmy moved his membership back to his home church, New Prospect, where he also served as Elder. He also completed the training to become a certified Lay Preacher for the Presbytery of St. Andrew. Jimmy retired from Blue Bell/Red Cap industries after over 30 years of service as a machinery technician. To many of the employees, Jimmy was known as a prankster, always trying to bring smiles and some joyful laughter to his hardworking fellow co-workers. He was a real life-long learner who spent many years researching, compiling, and publishing a lengthy volume of the Gaillard Family Genealogy tracing their lineage back to the Gaillard community in France. Jimmy also became quite adept with his home computer publishing and donating bulletins and brochures for the New Prospect Church. He also helped with the publicity for the newly created Tippah County Good Samaritan Center by finding a logo from the internet, creating and publishing glossy brochures for distribution, along with letterhead printed stationary with matching envelopes. Being a very generous person, he donated these items as needed while he was able. The family is grateful for Jimmy’s loyal friend and fellow New Prospect Elder, Shirley Fryar, who became a faithful caregiver for Jimmy as his health began to fail. He also enjoyed the friendship and faithful support of his longtime friend, Pastor Mac Lowery, and another longtime friend, Rev. Bill Connolly, who became his Pastor at New Prospect, in 2019. Jimmy was also able to remain in his home until the last month of his life through the help and ministry of a group of faithful 24-hour independent caregivers; Kindred Home Health; Gentiva Hospice; and the care of his beloved Dr. Charles Elliott and Dr. Troy Cappleman. Jimmy is survived by his nieces, nephews, their children, and grandchildren. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Callie Mae Gaillard Jackson, Lorene Gaillard Smith, Hermie Gaillard Collett, Ollie Gaillard Smith, and Verna Bernice Gaillard; three brothers, Luther Gaillard, Joe Gaillard, Ray Gaillard. Memorials may be given to Wiers Chapel Cemetery Fund - c/o Tommy Covington, 306 Main St., Ripley, MS 38663 or New Prospect Presbyterian Church, 6371-A Hwy 370, Ripley, MS 38663. Services will be Thursday, February 23, with a Family Graveside Service at Wiers Chapel Cemetery at 10am followed by an 11am Memorial Service at New Prospect Presbyterian Church. Following the worship service will a time of visitation, fellowship and light refreshments at the Church. Hospice Chaplain Ray Morton & Brother Mac Lowery will lead the Family Graveside. Rev. Bill Connolly & Rev. Dr. Jody Hill will lead the Memorial Service.