I wanted to call and say "hi" to Bill -10/30/20-  and with extreme sadness, I got the news.  I regret to say that I've procrastinated for just "a little too long" in reaching out.  I've wanted- needed -to speak to Bill, but kept putting it off.  Becoming friends after a random meeting in 1984, and afterwards, rarely more than a couple city-blocks to interrupt our friendship.. until his departure for Fort Lauderdale...and retirement in the late '90s.   When I met Bill I was "stumbling", and a bit lost.  I was on the tail-end of a painful divorce when I met him, and he was able to "ground" me to some extent.. as a father could, or would try to do.  I was eventually able to refocus and direct my attention to the things STILL important in life..in spite of my recent split.  I think Bill saw something in me, and the additional 20 years which he had on me, was MUCH appreciated and did open my eyes to a lot!  Bill was very kind and compassionate; and honestly, an easy person to love.  Bill helped immensely in what I was going through back then...and in the preparation for a better future.  He never really expected anything major in return;  the man had a huge heart! I feel indepted to him, though he'd probably disagree.  So recently I looked forward to talking to him.. more accurately, to driving, or flying down to visit him when taking my vacation at work.  My opportunity to converse with Bill ceased with procrastination.  And I know... that in life you'll rarely find a person as nice as  Bill Gilliland.

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center

William Gilliland

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William H Gilliland

12 September, 1936 – 2 December, 2017

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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