Robert “Bob” Gilley

Robert Lee Gilley, a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, passed away with his family by his side on December 3, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on June 14, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a resident of West Chester, Ohio, where he built a legacy grounded in family, community, and a deep love for sports.

Bob worked at Sysco Food Service for 27 years, rising to the Vice President of Sales, after which he concluded his career at Foodservice Advantage. His commitment to excellence was paralleled by his dedication to coaching-he took great joy in mentoring young athletes, coaching his sons, Ryan and Sam, in basketball and baseball, and positively influencing countless youth in the Lakota and greater Cincinnati area. Notably, he led the Cincinnati Bulldogs to a national championship in 1999, a testament to his passion for the game he loved and watching his players excel.

Married to his beloved wife, Kimberly, for 45 years, Bob cherished the time spent with his family. He was a proud father to Ryan (Stephanie) and Sam (Nicole) Gilley, and his greatest joy came from being “Bob Bob” to his grandchildren, Addison, Ace, and Owen. He made it a point to attend every one of their sporting events and loved nothing more than picking up his granddaughter Addison from school.

A lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Bob never missed an opening day game. He was also a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Bearcats. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, creating precious memories on the course as well as off.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly; his sons, Ryan (Stephanie) and Sam (Nicole); his grandchildren, Addison, Ace, and Owen; his sisters, Patricia (Larry) Brown and Wanda (Mike) Potts; and a community that will miss his spirit, guidance, and unforgettable sense of humor.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Acie and Juanita Gilley, and nephew, Michael Potts.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE line). A funeral service will follow at 1:30pm. Burial will take place at 2:30pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in honor of Bob can be made to Blood Cancer United at https://bloodcancerunited.org/, to the National Marrow Donation Program at https://www.nmdp.org/, or to St. Susanna Parish School at https://www.osvhub.com/stsusanna/giving/funds.

Robert Lee Gilley will be remembered as a man of integrity, compassion, and immeasurable love-a true pillar of his family and community. May he rest in peace.