February 20, 1970 – November 16th, 2025

Michael Robert Gilley, 55, of Hamilton, Georgia, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in the early hours of Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at Columbus Hospice. Michael was born at the Medical Center in Columbus, Ga on February 20th, 1970, to Dianne Williford Gilley and William “Bobby” Gilley. The oldest of 4 children, he was a natural born leader and an anchor for his family.

During his 12-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer, he fought to make every day count. Michael’s deep love for his wife, Rhonda, and fierce need for adventure found them traveling the world together. Whether it be snorkeling in Australia, biking Yosemite, or working towards his hang-gliding license on Lookout Mountain, he didn’t let his illness define his days. Some of his favorite memories were made while camping, boating, wakeboarding, skiing, sky diving, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and even once hydro flying with a water jetpack.

Michael was hilarious, highly creative, and known for his inventive ability to fix anything. This ingenuity served him well in his work as an Electrical Lead Technician at West Fraser OSB Mill.

However, his greatest achievement was his family. Michael faithfully loved and generously served his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rhonda Gilley; his mother Dianne Gilley; his daughters Erica (Justin) Sinclair, and Kacie Gilley; his step-daughters Rachel (Ben) Leyton, and Victoria (Matt) Godwin; his 8 grandchildren Noah, Kamry, Titus, Roslyn, JohnMichael, Sola, Kal, and Silas; his siblings Lisa (Larry) Wright, Julie (Tim) Shelton, and Joshua (Jordan) Gilley; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Gilley, and his beloved grandmother, “Nanny” Betty Pizzlatto.

Michael was a member of Cascade Hills Church (727 54th Street, Columbus, Ga 31904) where his visitation will be held at 2:30pm EST followed by his memorial service at 3:30pm EST on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025.

Family and friends are invited to gather at 8790 Mckee Road, Upatoi, Ga for a celebration of life immediately following the service.

Georgia Cremation-Columbus assisted the family with the arrangements.