Arnold Lawrence Gilley

Arnold Lawrence Gilley, son of the late Charlie and Esther (Pendergraft) Gilley, was born Feb. 1, 1940, in Mountain Grove. He passed away on March 20, 2025, in Lawton, Okla., at the age of 85. Lawrence grew up in the Mountain Grove area. As one of seven children, he had many adventurous tales to share. When just a lad, he traveled with neighbor George Tindall to buy and sell produce. Perhaps that sparked his desire to be the business man he became.  He attended one-room schools including Sunny Slope and Chicken Bristle. He graduated with the Mountain Grove High School Class of 1959. Lawrence was vice-president of his class and was active in F.F.A., Key Club and Student Council. He excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was honored to receive the Red Wade Trophy. He went on to attend college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Lawrence had a way of making each person feel special and usually brought a smile with his unique sense of humor.   Some 65 years after graduating from MGHS, a former schoolmate commented to his niece on how Lawrence was always a gentleman and was well-respected by his peers.  Returning for the annual MGHS Alumni event on the July 4th weekend was a highlight Lawrence looked forward to and enjoyed.  Lawrence served eight years in the National Guard. Following his employment in the shoe department of J.C. Penney, he started his own business endeavors. His first Gilley’s Shoes was located in Duncan, Okla. Lawrence was active in community affairs, serving as president of the local Kiwanis of Duncan. He attended the Church of Christ there. In addition to Gilley’s Shoes in Duncan, were stores in Wichita Falls, Texas, and most notable, the Gilley’s Shoes at the Central Mall in Lawton, Okla. Most of his working years were spent running those stores.
Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Hilde, of the home; four sisters, Sharlene Read, Geraldine Wilson and husband, Alex, Ruby Tompkins and Virginia Strunk; one brother, Delbert and wife, Donna; a sister-in-law, Coleen Gilley; many nieces, nephews and other relatives; two stepdaughters, Audry and Deborah; four grandchildren, Steve, Nicki, John and Cooper; six great grandchildren, Ayson, Cameron, Lilleigh, Olivia, Lilly and Alexus. He was preceded in death by his sons, Bruce Gilley and Brian Gilley; his parents; and a brother, Norman Gilley. Interment will be in the Lone Star Cemetery, Mountain Grove. Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories in a service honoring Lawrence at the First Christian Church of Mountain Grove on May 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.