[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 214 (Thursday, December 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   REMEMBERING BREGGIE LEJUANE GILKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 18, 2025

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise sadly today to remember one of my 
constituents, Breggie Lejuane Gilkey--a lifelong servant to the city of 
Memphis, a musician and the devoted father of my outstanding former 
staffer with a bright political future, Kyler Gilkey--who passed on 
December 13 at the age of 54.
  Mr. Gilkey was born September 24, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, to 
Lilly R. Faulkner and Everett Gilkey. He attended Vollentine Elementary 
and Snowden School in Memphis, and graduated from Overton High School 
in 1989. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. On 
September 23, 1995, he married his high school sweetheart. Roniece N. 
Gilkey, and they were together for 36 years, raising five sons: my 
former staffer Kyler and his brothers Bryson, Carson, Conner, and 
Bre'dyn. For years, he served the City of Memphis as a skilled 
mechanic. He was someone friends could rely on, not just for his 
expertise, but for his honesty, generosity, and willingness to help 
anyone in need. Beyond his work, Breggie had a deep love for music and 
played a meaningful role in Memphis' rich musical heritage. He worked 
with such legendary artists as The Bar-Kays and Shirley Brown and was a 
vocalist for Unexpected and The Temprees, contributing quietly but 
significantly to the sound and soul of the city he loved. He was also a 
volunteer with the STAX Music Academy and his sons' education while 
being an influential father figure to other young students who 
affectionately called him ``Pops.'' Above all else, Breggie was a 
family man. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his loved 
ones and was known for his warmth, laughter, and calm presence. His 
compassion and love left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough 
to know him.
  Breggie L. Gilkey leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and 
devoted wife Roniece; his five sons, Kyler Gilkey, Bryson Gilkey, 
Carson Gilkey, Conner Gilkey, and Bre'dyn Lovett; his parents, Lilly 
Gilkey, Everett Gilkey (Margree) and his siblings, Brandon Gilkey, 
Marvin Pride, Tinica Mitchell (Brandon), and Daphane Tyms (Eldon) and 
his many friends and colleagues. I extend my profound condolences to 
them all. Breggie Gilkey was a proud Memphian whose life was defined by 
hard work, creativity, and compassion. His was a life well lived.

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