Archie Leallen Gilreath Obituary (1943 - 2020)

Archie Leallen Gilreath, age 77, of Dahlonega, Ga, passed on September 28th, 2020 after an extended period of illness at his home in Cavender Creek. Archie was born on February 27th, 1943 in Dahlonega, Ga to Jewell and Nellie Faye Gilreath. He was followed by his brothers Dwain and Linny Gilreath. He was a graduate of Lumpkin County High School, Class of 1960. In 1963, Archie married Dorothy Jean Welch of Dahlonega, Ga, daughter of Robert and Cora Welch. Enlisting in 1960, Archie enjoyed a long and exciting career over 10 years in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, serving in exotic locations such as Scotland, Spain, Morocco, Cuba, Vietnam, and Antarctica. He completed his service as an E6. Honors, Medals, and Campaigns include: Equipment Operator 1st Class, Da Nang Vietnam 1966/67, AF Exp. Service, Good Conduct- 2 Stars, Antarctica Service- Winter over 1964, Navy Exp. medal- Cuba 1960, Vietnam Service- 2 Stars. Archie then joined Atlanta Natural Gas and Light before committing to leading the Lumpkin County Farmers' Co-Op while driving a bus for the Lumpkin County School System. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, youngest brother, Linny, and his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle and Walita Gilreath along with their children, Savannah Henderson, Nickolas Gilreath, and Kayla Ray; his brother Dwayne Gilreath; his nieces Kathy Miller, Doris Conner, Lynn Wimpy Dale, and Krista Cash, and his nephews Mike and Clint Wimpy, and Ritchie and Adam Gilreath, and his second wife Frances Gilreath. Visitation will be on Friday, October 2nd, 2020 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM with additional visitation beginning at noon and a service to follow the next day at 2PM. All events will be held at the Dahlonega Funeral Home located at 20 Gibson Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Please contact the funeral home at 706.864.3683 with questions or detail inquiries.