Family, colleagues mourn Oconee County deputy

Athens — Hundreds of law enforcement officers gathered to honor a Oconee County deputy who died of injuries after being hit by a car.

David Gilstrap, known for keeping motorists safe, was hit by a car Thursday while directing traffic outside Oconee County primary school in Watkinsville. He died 15 hours later at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.

The 49-year-old’s funeral was Sunday at Beech Haven Baptist Church. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers and deputies remembered Gilstrap as a good-natured man who loved serving his county.

Gilstrap served 16 years in law enforcement and 12 years in the Army.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy, who works as the sheriff’s executive assistant, two children and three stepchildren.