Daniel Joseph Gilliland

Daniel Joseph Gilliland, 70, has gained his heavenly reward after a prolonged illness. He was born on November 21, 1953, in Clanton, Alabama, the second child, and first son, of Daniel Seth and Dorothy Sansom Gilliand. He is proceeded in death by both parents and his siblings: sister Nina Siglar, and two brothers Ronald James and Kenneth Lyle.

Danny grew up In Montgomery, Alabama, where he graduated from Jefferson Davis Highschool, class of 1972. Having started working at his father’s construction company at an early age, Dan was a talented carpenter, building residential homes all over Montgomery and the surrounding areas. He also worked at Brockway Glass, Hoyt Henley Builders, Price Rubber Corporation. His last tenure was spent at Brett Robinson in Orange Beach where he proudly built Phenix condos on the some of the prettiest beaches in the world.

Dan is survived by his two daughters: Tina Michelle Fussell (Adam) and April Danielle Jones (Lance). He also leaves behind his greatest treasures, his two grandchildren: Seth Wilson and Olivia Danielle Jones. Danny taught his daughters many things, and some of their favorites are: leave the world better than you found it; if you can’t help them; don’t hurt them; life is too short to be unhappy; and lastly; if you are going to be stupid, you better be tough. He had a lightning sharp recall and was a walking, Brittanica encyclopedia with a vast knowledge of Bible verses, song lyrics and facts. His daughters will miss being able to call their Daddio to check any and all random facts.

Dan was a true lover of love, having been married six times to: Belinda, Faith, Brenda, Millie, Meta and lastly, the proclaimed love of his life; Karen Hull Gilliland, who preceded him in death in 2015. He truly was a man that people could not help but fall in love with, the type of man it felt good to be around.

Some of Dan’s fondest memories were of being a member of the Harley Owner’s Group of Montgomery in the 1990s where he served as Road Safety Captain. Many memories and friendships were made as a result. Dan was an avid bicyclist and when he was healthy, he logged thousands upon thousands of road miles. A music lover, Dan considered himself lucky to have seen and survived many concerts of the “greats”: Steely Dan, Aerosmith, Kiss, Tom Petty, and Jimmy Buffett to name a few. He loved Alabama football, the beach, sunrises, ice cream and bird watching.

A Celebration of LIfe Service for Mr. Gilliland will be Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 At River of Life Church, 255 County Road 100, Deatsville, Al 36022. In lieu of flowers please makes donations to River of Life Church.

Raised in the First Methodist Church of Montgomery, Dan’s ancestors were founding members of Mt. Nebo Methodist Church in Clanton where he attended many homecoming celebrations. Dan was a believer in Christ and served as a greeter at each of his church homes over the years. His last home church was River of Life Church in Deatsville, Alabama.

Dan was a kind soul who will be missed by all that knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held at River of Life Church on Saturday, June 1st at 11:00 am with Pastor Nick Edwards officiating.