Gilbert "Gil" Duley IV Obituary (1980 - 2025)

Gilbert E Duley IV was called home on May 6, 2025. Many miracles unfolded during the 6 months prior and the 2 weeks after he had a tree fall on him at work. He remembered every detail and shared with us that he felt like Wiley Coyote being chased by a boulder intended for the road runner. (His joke not mine. He tried daily to make us laugh and achieved his goals.) The resulting injury left him paralyzed from the waist down, his body broken beyond repair, he still told the devil that he wasn't "the one" by singing the song Chain Breaker by Zach Williams only minutes after tubes were pulled from his mouth and nose. Praising God in the storm for giving him the chance to make amends and prove he had changed. He died a clean addict, a miracle. He was a mentor, in the prison. The "one" that brought men to Jesus through both his words and deeds. He was a new creation. The one hopeless drug addict that would never change became the one that changed lives. The one that got everything taken from him gave up everything to save just one from hell. The one guy that reminded the guards and ministers why they continue their paths. To see lives changed and families reconciled. The one who had so much pain, anger and hurt, from losing all our children, that he turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. He chased death with purpose. He was also the one that beat on the cross at Stillwater Retreat until he broke free of his bondage. Giving his life to God. He was baptized in Nov 2024. Gilbert changed lives with his testimony. Slave to the demon of addiction, demons controlled his every thought. Prisoner of the State, after his mind was set free his body became his prison and pain tried to be his master. But God.... masterminded the greatest prison escape of all time.... The old self gone, and the new creation granted a pardon of mercy and grace. A throw away, a junkie, a thief, a liar that no one could reach, had fought the demons inside himself at that cross and asked Jesus to come in and show him another way. I was told it was a lengthy conversation out loud full of hate, resentments, sorrow, fear and then finally faith, hope, weeping, and complete surrender to the Jesus that still answers prayers. God showed him how to live not just be alive. The difference was instant and undeniable. Physically and spiritually. He let Jesus in to evict the army of hell inside. instantly he changed. Not only inside but physically his eyes become clear, there was light in his eyes again. The Holy Spirit inside healed the brokenness. Some will never believe the change that occurred, praise be to God from all of us that was blessed to witness it firsthand. He sang praise music, read scripture, and prayed faithfully. He asked for anyone he had ever hurt forgive him and if you don't know Jesus, find Him. He also gave forgiveness and left with no anger or remorse. If you’re struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, fear, grief, health issues, family issues... the answer is Jesus. Gib wanted you to know he saw Heaven and God and how peaceful and beautiful it was. He told many about his visit to Paradise each time through tears. He wanted nothing more than to prove to his loved ones he was changed. Gilbert E Duley IV was born in Cape May, NJ. First son to Gilbert "Tom" Duley who resides in Corydon, Indiana and to Brenda Mathis of Wilwood NJ. Both living. Stepmom Tracy Duley and God-Mother Kathy Allen-Crawford. He was first grandson to Pastor Gilbert Duley Jr and Nana, Linda Sue Duley. Brothers Brian Keith Duley and Randy Allen Duley, both reside in Wildwood, NJ. Beloved "Sissy" Breylynn N Duley from Corydon, IN who was the apple of his eye. His wife and best friend Marcena Duley calls him the one true love of a lifetime. Almost losing each other in the madness of addiction and self-hate, both saved by different jailhouse/prison ministry which in turned saved their marriage and eternal lives. Two decades of failed attempts to kеeр them apart, failed as she was with him when he took his final breath on earth. Gibby loved being a daddy. He spent many an hour playing dolls, cars, reading books, indoor water/food fights and building snow men. He did whatever brought a smile to his children's faces. He went in public proudly showing off pink nails that matched his much-adored daughters Natalia C "Duley" Craig now 15, who looks like her father’s twin. He adored every moment he spent with her. Katerina L Sheckell 25, said she had many fathers in her life, but Gibby was the only one deserving of the tittle Daddy... Drake T Sheckell 26 lights up when he talks about childhood memories with Daddy Gibby. Sabastian K Sheckell 28, and Gib spent endless hours playing games together and fishing for minnows. Sabby blessed Gib with Sabastian Kain Sheckell Jr, 4. He melted Gilbert's heart becoming Grandpa. He was the one smiling from ear to ear with pride and adoration of all things "Baby Kain. His fur child, Rawr, 9 grieves with us. Other survivors include aunts, uncles, & cousins sprinkled all over the US. All of which he loved. The tragic end to Gilbert's life cannot take his legacy. His love of family. His sense of humor and His comeback story. His love of Jesus and his surrender was a miracle as is the collateral beauty that has risen from the ashes. He will never be forgotten. His testimony has been prophesied to save lives. From demented to rescued, suicidal to Saved, bitter to Blessed. Paralyzed to walking with Jesus. This is just the beginning, most endings are.... Glory to God. Bless who reads this as its not by mistake, it was foreseen by many that the life and death of this one child of God will save lives and give all the Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy spirit. AMEN. There is no such thing as gone too far. If you need prayer reach out. There will be a Celebration of life at Mt. Zion community church in Mauckport, IN, at a later date.