Gene Oliver Gaylord, Sr.

GENE OLIVER GAYLORD SR.

SUNRISE:                                                                   SUNSET:

November 19, 1940                                                     January 12, 2025

Celebrating the life of Gene Oliver Gaylord, SR., affectionately known as “Bunny” the third child of the late Leaters “Gayle” Gaylord, SR., and Amelia “Margaret” Gaylord. Bunny was born on November 19, 1940, by Dr. Benson at the Port Deposit Hospital, Port Deposit, Maryland. He departed this life on the morning of January 12, 2025, entering the presence of the Lord peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

A Life Filled with Faith and Service

Bunny Accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age while attending Bethel A.M.E. Church of Port Deposit, Maryland. In later years his walk with the Lord became very important to him. He joined and became a member of the First Baptist Church of Port Deposit, Maryland, where he served as Trustee. In whatever capacity he was asked to serve he did it willingly. He remained a faithful servant until the Lord called him from laborer to reward.

A Life of Love and Family

Bunny was joined in holy matrimony to the late Dorothy “Dot” Gaylord on January 30, 1965, and was married for 56 ½ years. From their union they had four children: Terry, Wanda, Zelda and Gene “Junior.” Bunny had a genuine love for his entire family (wife, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, and close family friends. He loved to spend time with his family. He would often say, “You don’t have to come and see me, just give me a call once in a while.” Traditions were big in our family. Bunny and Dot, along with his siblings took their children to the cemetery annually on holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas to pay our respect and show the importance of remembering family and continuing those traditions when they’re no longer here. Whenever a family member or friend was in need, he was always available to help. Bunny loved his parents and siblings and often told stories about his childhood remembering his mother baking fresh bread on Sunday mornings and their travels to Philadelphia and NYC where they shopped and visited Rockefeller Center. Bunny was a jokester. You weren’t going to make it in this family if you didn’t have thick skin, because he’s going to crack on you.

A Life Dressed in Style

Bunny was forever stylish and fashionable. He was the epitome of coolness. He wore eye-catching outfits from Flags Brothers to the current fashion trends. He excelled in his choice of clothing and loved taking his children shopping in Wilmington, Delaware and going shopping for his grandchildren to buy the latest fashions.

Educational Journey and Career

Bunny received his education through the Cecil County Public School System and Cecil Community College Adult Educational Programs. He served three years in the United States Army as an Infantry Soldier (11B). He served tours at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Camp Casey, Korea. He was discharged honorably and later employed at Perry Point in Food Services; followed by Amtrak as a Lead Foreman, and 20 plus years for M.A. Bongiovanni, Inc, in Syracuse, New York.

Love of Hobbies

While we were growing up Daddy loved fast cars and fast motorcycles. Speed should’ve been his middle name. It made his adrenaline rush, and everyone knew that about him. He would always have people stop by the house to show off their cars.

Honoring His Memory

Bunny leaves behind a rich legacy of love, family, traditions, faith and service, which is a testament to his rich life. His precious memories will be cherished by his loving children, Terry Williams (Romaine); Wanda Degay (Keith); Zelda Davis (Sammie) and Junior Gaylord (Madelyn); eight grandchildren, Monika, Jessica (Joe), Elecia, Sterling, Juwan, Joslynn, Adam; eight great-grandchildren: Mya, Ayanna, Bubbie, Amira, Lily, Ashton, Olivia and Morgan. Great-Great Grandchild: Maliya. One sister: Florence Marshall; One brother: Conrad Gaylord, SR. Daughter In-Law: Shannon Gaylord; In-Laws: Mary “Mae Mae” Owens and Malcolm “Chrissy” Owens; Special Family Friends “Daniel Griffen and Barbara Ringgold. And a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Bunny was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Gaylord, his parents, sibling Leaters “Junie” Gaylord JR and his grandson, Terry “Tj” Williams.

Rest in the comfort of God’s Arms. Daddy/Bunny’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Daddy/Bunny, your memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Deuteronomy 33:12.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Port Deposit, MD. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9 AM until 11 AM, at the church prior to the funeral service. Rev. Steven Deveaux of the First Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be in Berkley Cemetery, Darlington, MD.