November 30, 2022

Holy Cross Family Ministries remembers actor Clarence Gilyard Jr.

REGIONAL
Staff report

(iObserve photo/courtesy of Holy Cross Family Ministries)

NORTH EASTON, Mass. – The community at Holy Cross Family Ministries is in mourning following the death of Clarence Gilyard Jr. The actor who appeared in the hit TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” served on the board of directors of the ministry founded by Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton. He was 66.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Clarence Gilyard, a beloved friend and dedicated board member of our ministry,” said Holy Cross Father Fred Jenga, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Please pray for his peaceful rest and please pray for his wife, Elena, and his whole family.”

Gilyard costarred with Chuck Norris in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and Andy Griffith in “Matlock.” He also had notable roles in major movies alongside Bruce Willis in “Die Hard” and Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” He appeared in nearly 40 TV series and films during his career.

In recent years, Gilyard taught stage and screen acting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was a professor.

Recently, Gilyard attended at the 75^th Anniversary Celebration of Family Theater Productions, a ministry of Holy Cross Family Ministries. At the gala event, held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Gilyard, with other accomplished actors, performed one of FTP’s classic radio programs for guests.  

“Clarence Gilyard was a man whose faith led to renewed life with his dear family, friends and his art. As an actor and director, he knew how to bring stories to life and so make our lives richer. I am grateful for the service he gave Family Theater Productions as a board member. I am grateful for his witness and friendship,” said Holy Cross Father David Guffey, national director of Family Theater Productions. 

“A funeral service will be held for Clarence Gilyard in Dallas at a later date,” Father Jenga stated. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

A devout Catholic, Gilyard served as a board member of Holy Cross Family Ministries from 2004 until his death. He appeared at numerous faith-based programs sponsored by the North Easton ministry, which encourages the spiritual well-being of families, especially by praying the rosary.

Father Peyton founded Family Rosary (www.familyrosary.org) in 1942 and Family Theater Productions (www.familytheater.org) in 1947, two of the missions in Holy Cross Family Ministries. Now Venerable Patrick Peyton, the man known as the “Rosary Priest,” is a candidate for sainthood. For more information, visit www.fatherpeyton.org and www.hcfm.org/.