Weatherford, TX — Maurice James “Sonny” Gilman departed this world November 13, 2023. He was born in Dansville, New York on Oct 6,1938 to James and Luella Milliman Gilman. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1957 where he excelled in sports but particularly as a baseball pitcher, often pitching both games of a doubleheader. He was signed by the Milwaukee Braves and went to spring training in Waycross, Georgia. While he was there, he suffered a serious arm injury and had to return to Wellsville. On June 28th, 1958, he married Beverly Lessard of Scio.
Sonny worked his entire professional career with Air Preheater in the Sales Department, moving to Houston in 1980. He retired in Dallas in 1993 and then moved to Ocala, Florida and then to Seabeck Washington, before finally settling in Weatherford, Texas. Sonny enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, attending Aggie and Longhorn football games, and playing Town Team ball with his brothers-in-law Paul and Larry. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and telling stories. Right up until his death Sonny always thought he was good for “one more inning”.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Beverly of Weatherford Texas; four sons and their wives Christopher (Susan) of Hudson, New Hampshire, Tobin (Mary) of Arlington, Texas, Gregory (Debbie) of Weatherford, Texas, and Mark (Debbie) of Seabeck, Washington; one sister CeCe Morris of Silverdale, Washington, sister-in-law Edna Lessard of Jamestown New York; his grandchildren Nick, Jon, Kim, Candace, Andrew, Thomas, Cole Bryce, Kayce, Vienna, and Cameron; two step-grandchildren Rachel and John; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Father and Mother-in-law Larry and Ida Lessard, sister Marlene Felson. brothers-in-law Larry and Paul Lessard, sister-in-law Juel Lessard, and great grandson George Gilman.
Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers. Services will be held at a future date.
To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com
