Lawrence Joseph Gilkey, 91, died on September 29, 2026 with his loving wife by his side. He was born on June 23, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio and was the 7th of 9 children.

Lawrence built a life marked by learning, service, faith, and devotion to his family. He graduated from Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He continued his education at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, and later graduated from The Ohio State University. He also earned his master’s degree from the University of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1972, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his military career, he served on the All Weather Attack Squadron on the USS Essex carrier. His years in the Navy reflected a strong sense of duty and commitment as well as giving him his love for travel. He and Sharon traveled to world together.

Larry possessed an entrepreneurial spirit early, starting with selling vacuum cleaners and pots and pans from his car as a young man. Throughout his life he started and sold over ten businesses, specializing in the security alarm industry with multi state companies in the field. Larry had a knack for business and found great joy in his success.

Faith was an important part of Lawrence’s life. He attended Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, and Living Stones Church in Cumming, Georgia. He was also involved with Habitat for Humanity and took part in mission trips to Mexico, giving his time and energy in service to others.

Above all, Lawrence will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his children, Dianne Gilkey Dawkins (Greg), Scott Gilkey (Alicia), Chrissy Gilkey Granigan (Mark), and Maria Thomas. His family was further blessed by his grandchildren, Alexandria (Tim), Mary Grace (Drew), Nathan, Noah (Hannah), Caitlin, Nicholas, Jack, and Zane, and by his great-grandchildren, Eloise, Greer, and Jonah. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Osterfeld, and his brother, Kenneth Gilkey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Annette Hayden Gilkey; his father, James Fabian Gilkey; his sisters, Dorothy Mahon and Millie McFarland; and his brothers, James Gilkey, Robert Gilkey, Donald Gilkey, and Jerry Gilkey.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on October 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, 12050 Crabapple Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30075. A funeral service will follow there on October 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A private family military interment will be held at Georgia National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Living Stones Church, 2120 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming, GA 30041.