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Bernard Gilchrist was born January 22, 1957 to the late Luther Smith Jr and Kathleen (Gilchrist) Smith in McCormick, South Carolina. He entered his eternal rest on Wednesday December 14, 2022. He attended school in Washington Dc. He worked at Greenwood Mills for five years until he enlisted into the US Army in 1971, during the time he fought for our country. He served as a Chemical ops specialist,Smoke operation specialist, mechanic, and battalion trainer. He fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He was awarded the Meritorious service medal, commendation medal, Army achievement medal, Good conduct medal and National defense service medal. After 20 years of service he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1997. After serving in the military he was an owner operator of his own trucking service until his health started to decline.

He is preceded in death by his parents Luther Smith Jr and Kathleen (Gilchrist) Smith. One Brother James Gilchrist ("Baldy"). Grandparents Luther Smith Sr and Janie P. (Wells) Smith ,James Gilchrist and Maude Adams Gilchrist. One Aunt Maggie Smith, One Sister in law Laura Armstrong.

He Married Carol- Anne (Ross) Gilchrist in 1981. And in this union three children, one daughter Nateshia Ross Jones; two sons Gary Gilchrist and Lanard Gilchrist Sr. After retiring from the Army. He made Walthourville, Georgia his permanent home.

Bernard was a devoted husband, father,grandfather,brother, cousin and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, music and working on cars.

Bernard leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife: Carol-Anne Gilchrist of Walthourville,Ga. Two Daughter: Nateshia Jones (Kenrick Sr.) of Miami Fl Nicole Ross of Miami Fl Three sons: Gary Gilchrist (Latoya) Of Brunswick GA, Lanard Gilchrist Sr. (Dermanie), of Townsend Ga, Nicholas Ross of Miami Fl. Step-Mother Donna Smith Of Capitol Heights, MD. Thirteen Grandchildren: Aliza Wilks (Alex), Kenrick Jones Jr.,Godfrey Gilchrist, Jayvon Lecount, Lanard Gilchrist Jr., Da'Tavious Gilchrist, Kaiden Gilchrist, Noelle Gilchrist, Alayna Ross, Darrell Jones, Danielle Jones, Giannie MCcormick, Floyd Oliver. Two Great- GrandChildren: Amir Wilks, Ajaia Upshaw Two sisters: Delores Pulliam (Wallace), of Oxon Hill, Md and Lori Smith of Capitol Heights, MD. A special Aunt Lucretia Williams of Florence,Sc, Aunt Thelma Williams of Florence Sc. One uncle Jamie Lee smith( Julia) of McCormick, Sc. Mother in-law: Martha Howard, Of Brunswick Ga two Brother in-laws: Earic Fleming (Yvette) Brunswick, Ga, Elijah Fleming of Kansas city, Mo. Three Sister in-law: Lavon Williams(John) Of brunswick ga. Patronia Sallins (Anthony) Of Brunswick, Ga. Kimberly Howard of Brunswick Ga Two special cousins Linda Gilchrist, Dorothy Johnson, And a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.