Final Salute

Gilbert Lewis Grylls, 80, widower of Mary Margaret Grylls, of Greenville, Va., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Grylls was born in Central Falls, R.I., on Jan. 9, 1943, son of the late Frederick Grylls and Loretta Claire (Authier) Grylls. Gilbert was a veteran of the United States Navy and was especially proud to be a member of the Navy Seabees.

Gil took an active role in politics in Central Falls, R.I., where he resided and owned a home. He worked for Galego Oil for many years and was also the owner/operator of Solar Oil Co., that serviced the Blackstone Valley area and surrounding communities in R.I. He also was the owner/operator of MaryGil Diner in Greenville, Va., and Gil retired as an HVAC technician. He was a member of VFW Staunton Post 2216 in Virginia and served as commander where he also worked and called bingo for over 20 years.

Friends enjoyed Gil’s wonderful sense of humor and love of music with his innate talent for playing guitar and keyboard. His hobbies included marksmanship and love of horses which he had the luxury of owning. He had a big heart and was an extremely generous person who wouldn’t refuse to do anything for anyone.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Grylls is preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Ronald Grylls. Surviving, is a daughter, Laureen Brady, of Plymouth, Mass.; a son, Mark Grylls, of Plymouth, Mass.; a brother, Richard Grylls, and two sisters, Claire Solsberg and Diane Grylls; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. with military honors in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, R.I., 02906, with Rev. Pamela Corcoran officiating.