Darryl Wesley Gillcoat, 86, of Kilgore, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born December 15, 1939, in Henderson, Texas, to Floyd and Myrtle Gillcoat, Darryl lived a life defined by faith, devotion to family, and service to others. On June 2, 1962, he married Vivian Gillcoat, sharing 64 years of marriage. Later, they relocated to Hallsville, where they raised their three children.

Darryl served in the United States Army before beginning a career with Texas Eastman, where he worked in the Maintenance Department for over 30 years. After retiring, he founded Gillcoat Home Inspections, earning the trust of homeowners, realtors, and builders across East Texas.

A man of deep Christian faith, Darryl served for many years as a deacon. He lived with humility, patience, and kindness, always willing to help others.

Known for his “patience of Job,” Darryl had a dry wit and a gift for explaining practical things. Whether discussing electricity, repairing clocks, or solving everyday problems, he enjoyed sharing knowledge and believed wisdom should be passed on.

His grandchildren knew him simply as “Grandpa,” a role he cherished. He loved teaching them and answering their questions. A favorite family memory is that his grandson Lincoln’s first word was “light,” reflecting their many conversations about electricity.

Darryl was an accomplished collector and craftsman, especially known for restoring antique clocks. His interest in history extended to his involvement with the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation, where he received the Derrick Award in 2021. He also enjoyed lighting the historic derricks during Kilgore’s Christmas celebration and treasured sharing that honor with his grandchildren, Lincoln and Trynlie.

He loved trains and fondly remembered the family trip to see the Big Boy steam locomotive in East Texas. He also enjoyed Tuesday evening dinners with Vivian and lifelong friends.

Darryl always had a standing request for dinner: fried chicken. And while he was not fond of sweets, he never turned down a pack of Smarties and carried them in his pocket anytime the kids were around.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful friend whose patience and wisdom left a lasting impact.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Myrtle Gillcoat; his sister, Danielle Karsten; and his nephew, Kappy Kolb.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian Gillcoat; his children, Blaine Gillcoat and wife Emily, Rush Gillcoat and wife Charlsie, and Simone Short and husband Kevin; his grandchildren, Maria Gillcoat, Lee Gillcoat, Trynlie Ferguson, and Lincoln Short; his siblings, Deanna Kolb and John David Gillcoat; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Blaine Gillcoat, Rush Gillcoat, Kevin Short, Lincoln Short, Lee Gillcoat, and James Goulden.

The family would like to thank Hospice Plus and extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassion, kindness, friendship, and tireless support shown by Sandra Stevenson and Robin Watkins during his final journey. They will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Kilgore. Burial will follow at Neeley Cemetery near Henderson.