Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I miss you so much Dad. It's been 15 years and I honestly cant believe it. I still can't make sense of you dying on my birthday and it's still so hard. I'm about to be 41 and you died at 49. I realize now just how young you were. I love you so much dad.

Mandi Jo Gilstrap
Daughter

October 6, 2023

Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

October 9, 2017

You are not forgotten my brother. You will be in our hearts forever. You are missed each day.

I am forever grateful for you and what you said to me on that cold and rainy morning back in January 2006. It made a true turning point in my life that at the time, I merely thought I understood. I try to pay it forward each chance I get. Until we meet again, Sacred Journey.

Lt. Frank Brooks (ret.)

October 8, 2015

It will be 6 years this October 9, 2014. This year you will be honored for you ultimate sacrifice, you gave so unselfishly protecting the Citizens and children of Oconee County. On Thursday October 9, the stretch of road from Butlers crossing in Oconee County to Union Church Rd. will be Memorialized as "Deputy David Gilstrap Memorial Highway" This is a very high honor.
I am so proud and happy. I miss you so much everyday. I miss your jokes, your laughter , your smile , and your love. But most of all I just miss my husband. We only had 18 months together , and only six of them as husband and wife.
We cant turn back what is done, we can only try to survive and understand. God had a plain that day! One day I will know what the plain was.
I Love you and miss you dearly, David Gilstrap

Wife/Widow
Oconee County Sheriffs Office

September 8, 2014

It's only taken four years for me to be able to leave one of these. It is still tough when I remember all of the fun we used to have. Most only knew you as Deputy Gilstrap. I knew David. You always will be my friend and my brother. Rest in peace.

Lt. Frank Brooks (ret.)

April 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Gilstrap. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 9, 2009

To Deputy Daivd Gilstrap Jr., his family and his fellow officers with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Gilstrap’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Gilstrap and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

October 9, 2009

The wicked fleee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

May God be with you and all who mourn you. May he give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers

To his kids: Hi, you probably already know all, this, but I just want to make sure you do. Your dad is a hero, now and forever, he will never be forgotten. He loves you now and forever. Never forget that. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 6, 2009

ASCENSION

And if I go,
While you’re still here---
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest,
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.

By Colleen Hitchcock

Lisa Schultz
wife of Don Schultz, Phx. P.D., E.O.W. 5-12-2004

October 30, 2008

God speed brother...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Sister in Blue

DFC Angela Crocker
Forsyth County SO

October 30, 2008

I never met you and I don't even know Sheriff Scott Berry, but my wife is a friend of his. Her high regards for him tell me that he would only employ quality deputies, and from his reflection about you, you cared about the public's safety. I occasionally travel on the Hog Mountain Road going to Winder. Thank you, sir, for your dedication to your community and your department!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

October 26, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

October 23, 2008

DEPUTY GILSTRAP, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN YOUR LOSS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 21, 2008

Rest in peace DEPUTY your tour is complete, THANK YOU and MAY GOD BE BY YOU SIDE AND YOUR FAMILY.

P/O
Philadelphia

October 18, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with your family,
friends, and with the brothers and sisters
with the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Georgia,

I know and feel your pain, It's been four years
sence I lost my partner,best friend in the line
of duty today,

Rest in peace Deputy David Gilstrap, You will
never be forgoten,
May God comfort your family and love ones,

Mother of a Deputy Sheriff,
Maryland,

Anonymous

October 17, 2008

You were a true hero! Thank you for serving!!

Civilian

October 17, 2008

May God lay his healing hand upon the family of Deputy Gilstrap and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Deputy Gilstrap for your dedicated service to the people of Georgia and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

October 17, 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff David Gilstrap,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff David Gilstrap. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff David Gilstrap is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

October 15, 2008

you and your family are in my prayers. God Bless, Deputy Spielman.

Deputy Jason Spielman
Peach County Sheriff's Office

October 15, 2008

Godspeed Sir...Go in Peace

Ptn. R. Murphy

October 15, 2008

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, EOW 9-24-1976

October 15, 2008

Family and Friends,

My sincere empathy to those suffering the lose of Deputy Gilstrap on behave of my family and department.

Respectfully,
Jeremy Hoffman
Patrolman, Madison Police Department
Madison, Georgia

Patrolman Jeremy Hoffman
Madison Police Department

October 15, 2008

God bless you and keep you always. You are in our prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police

October 15, 2008

Rest in peace. We are praying for your family and thank you for your service.

Michelle Milam
Richmond Police Department, Crime Prevention Specialist

October 15, 2008