Maynard Gulley

Leland Maynard Gulley, 90, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. A catered lunch will be a Kings Cross Clubhouse following the service. There will be a visitation with the family on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home

Maynard was born on November 1, 1934, in Talpa, Texas to Alfred Warner (A.W.) and Dessie Gulley. He was a graduate of Talpa Centennial High School. After graduation, he worked with the Texas Highway Department and Trans Texas Airways before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, where he served with honor until 1959.

Upon returning to civilian life, Maynard began a distinguished career with the Abilene Fire Department in 1960, where he devoted 30 years of service and retired as a lieutenant in 1990. It was during this time that he met Judy Cockrell, who would become his beloved wife. They married in August 1961 and raised two children, Crystal (Bunnie) and Chris.

In addition to his work in the fire department, Maynard was a successful entrepreneur, founding his own cleaning business in 1968, which led to ventures in real estate and cattle farming. In 1978, he and Judy moved their family to Baird, where they became active members of the First Baptist Church. Later, they transferred their membership to First Baptist Church in Clyde. In 2015, they returned to Abilene, where Maynard spent the rest of his life.

Maynard was preceded in death by his parents, A.W. and Dessie Gulley and his daughter Crystal (Bunnie) Baize. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy; son Chris and life partner Tamara Morgan of Abilene; sister Fran Staggs of Valera, Texas; brother Rex Gulley and wife Tonya of Baird; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hendrick Hospice Care in recognition of their exceptional service to Maynard and his family.