Funeral services for Retired SSG Jackie Gilchrist 70, of Killeen, TX will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Pershing Park Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held two hours prior to the service at the church (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

Jackie Gilchrist was born on November 20, 1952 in Gibson, North Carolina to Isaac Gilchrist and Mary Lee Williams.  He departed this life on March 15, 2023 in Killeen, Texas.

Jackie graduated from Hamlet High School in 1972, and soon afterwards, enlisted in the United States Army.  During his time in the service, he took part in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Provide and Comfort, and Iraqi Freedom. After proudly serving for 20 years, he was honorably discharged in 1992. His medals/awards/ribbons include: Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 3, Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 3, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge (Driver -W), Sharpshooter Badge Rifle, National Defense Service Medal W/1 Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal W/3, Bronze Service Star and a Kuwait Liberation Medal.

After his military service, Jackie was a proud employee for Lochridge Priest for 20 years.  In this capacity, he served as a plumbing apprentice where he received a service award for his outstanding loyalty and determination for the company.  After his retirement, he continued to use his skills to help those who were in need of them.

Jackie was a member of Pershing Park Baptist and a member of the church's Property Management team where he was able to continue to use his skills for the needs of the church.  His hobbies included fishing, bowling, playing pool, yard work, gardening, and outdoor furniture restoration.  He also enjoyed cooking and eating, traveling, and driving.  He was a member of the VFW and DAV in Killeen.

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Gilchrist and Mary Lee Williams, and a sister, Ella Rose Washington.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Tanya D. Gilchrist of Killeen, TX; sons Domino Gilchrist (Diedra) of Ft. Worth, TX; Kevin Whitfield (Carla) of Detroit, Michigan; daughters Sherry Fortune (Michael) of Hamlet, North Carolina; Tyesha Seale, Tanita Chriswell, and Kanetra Chriswell of Killeen; His siblings Stanley Washington (Annie) and Annie Lee Gilchrist of Hamlet, North Carolina; Daniel Harrington of Rockinghan, North Carolina; and Lillie York of Fitchburg, Mass.  He leaves one great niece, 3 great nephews, 2 great, great nephews, 20 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.