Dr. B. H. GilleyDr. B. H. Gilley, 90, passed away March 21, 2017, at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Hospital after a brief illness. A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, LA with Rev. Dr. Chris Currie officiating. Billy Hawkins Gilley was born on February 26, 1927, in Manchester, Tennessee to Odilene and Cecil Gilley. After graduating from Manchester High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Much of his tour of duty was in the Philippines. On returning home, he began his college education.Dr. Gilley was a graduate of Tennessee Polytechnic University (B.A.), University of Tennessee (M.A.) and the University of Georgia (Ph.D.). His early career was in journalism and he served as editor of newspapers in Manchester and Tullahoma, Tennessee. After receiving a Ph.D. in history, he had a long and distinguished teaching career at Louisiana Tech University.At Louisiana Tech, Dr. Gilley taught courses in American and German history. He achieved the rank of Full Professor and held the McGinty Chair of History. Upon retirement, he was honored by receiving the title of Professor Emeritus of History.Dr. Gilley was a very active historian. He served as president of both the Louisiana Historical Association and the North Louisiana Historical Association. He was editor of the Journal of North Louisiana History and Director of McGinty Historical Publications. Among his many publications was a very popular volume of essays on the history of North Louisiana. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder and an active member in Sunday School.Dr. Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Jeanne Mack Gilley, former Dean of Life Sciences at Louisiana Tech, and sister-in-law, The late Dr. Dorothy Mack Strain. Left to cherish his memory is a brother Harry of Manchester, Tennessee; In-laws, Gladys Mack Huff, Dr. Donald Mack, and Mary Mack Attrep; his longtime companion, Nancy O'Neal; and colleagues.Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Greg Attrep, Dr. John Hayden, Dr. Donald Mack, Steve Yancey, Dr. David Clemons, Dr. Phillip Cook, Dr. Steven Weber, Duncan McRay, and Dr. Barron O'Neal.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to the Jeanne Mack Gilley Endowment Fund at Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3183Ruston, LA 71272.