"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
~Psalms 116:15

Horace Lee Gilchrist, age 79, of Bedford, Virginia departed this life on August 13, 2016 at his residence.  He was born on January 5, 1937 to the late Sarah Gilchrist of Littleton, NC.

Horace was employed at General Shale for over twenty years where he retired in 1998.  He loved the outdoors and kept an immaculate yard and vegetable garden. He enjoyed canning and loved sharing the fruits of his labor by giving his canned goods to his family and friends. Commonly known as "Daddy Red" or "Uncle Red", he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was notorious for keeping up with the news and current events.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris Holt Gilchrist, and three sisters, Delores Lee, Mary Jane Gilchrist, and Annie Mae Payne.

Horace leaves to cherish his memory one son, Gary (Faye) Gilchrist of Roanoke, VA; one daughter, Valerie Farr, of Clinton, MD; two granddaughters, Katya Farr and Chontra Farr of Clinton, MD; a loving and devoted niece, Carol (Lorenzo) Johnson of Thaxton, VA; one sister, Burnell (Earl) Adams of Forest, VA; four brothers, Alonzo (Priscilla) Gilchrist of Littleton, NC, Alton (Mary Lou) Gilchrist and Charles Gilchrist, both of Bedford, VA, Melvin (Wanda) Gilchrist of Staten Island, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who all had a special place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2016, at the Bedford Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Fairmont Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 18, 2016, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Bedford Funeral Home. Arrangements by Bedford Funeral Home.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.