Billie Gladney

Billie DeLancey Gladney was born March 1, 1937, in Union City, TN, to Rev. Wreed Gladney and Pearline Perry Gladney.  He was a bright light into his family and this world from the day he was born until the day he peacefully slipped away from us on March 28, 2022.  Delancey will be joining his wife of 57 years, Jean Brewer Gladney in Heaven, and finally be back where he was most happy which was right by her side.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, Wreed and Pearline Gladney; his sister, Lahrea Marcy (Robert) and he leaves behind a host of family and friends who will forever be changed from having been loved by him. He leaves a sister, Nellene Pena (Jerry) of Phoenix, AZ; two sons, Mark Gladney (Michelle) of Houston, TX, and Jason Gladney (Allison) of Vicksburg, MS; one daughter, Carole Merrill (Dave) of Green Valley, Arizona; and grandchildren, Kaleigh Gladney, Dawn Merrill, Eric Merrill, and Ryan Merrill, and a plethora of nieces, nephews and great grandchildren who will mourn his loss.

Delancey lived an extraordinary life that saw him play on large stages the gospel music he so greatly loved. Extremely talented musician and an even better father and role model for his children. Delancey was quiet and never one to boast. It wasn’t until later in his life that we learned that he had attended gatherings at Graceland and even helped Elvis Presley with his piano. He attended the Vaugh School of Music in TN and has numerous songs he composed in church hymnals today. Delancey was a Manager at Jim Walter Homes Corporation for over 25 years. He was the Director of Music for River of Life Church in Petal, MS for over 20 years.  He had his Homecoming at 1:23 a.m. on Monday the 28th of March, and was immediately met at Heaven’s Gates by family who have predeceased him.  He is now celebrating in a restored body for eternity.  One day we hope to reunite with him there and in the words of his wife Jean’s song titled “Homecoming”, “what a Homecoming Day that will be!”.

There will be a private memorial service for Delancey Gladney in Gulfport, Mississippi on May 14th. Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, served the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com

In lieu of flowers please send donations to either St. Jude’s or a ministry of your choice as he would have wanted it that way.