George Bruce Gilleland

George Bruce Gilleland, 87, returned home to be with our Lord on March 21st, 2022, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City. George was born May 10, 1934, in Springfield, MO to William Denton and Lottie Elizabeth (Rey) Gilleland. George joined the U.S. Army Reserves in January 1953 after graduating from Springfield High School the previous year. During his 28 plus years with the U.S. Army Reserves, George’s duties included a Chaplain’s Assistant, Chief Railway Operations Clerk and later the Battalion Supply Sergeant with the 750th Transportation Battalion, Springfield, Missouri. George would finish his military career in the Reserves serving with the 5504th Dental Service Detachment. While with the 5504th, his duties included Dental Specialist, Chief Dental Specialist and Unit First Sergeant.

During his service with the US Army Reserves, George also worked with the US Post Office as a letter carrier for 30 plus years. He was known to have stated that he had walked the same as around the world more than twice while performing his job as a letter carrier.

George was united in marriage to Virginia Maynes on January 1st, 1980, in Springfield, MO. Their honeymoon was in Hawaii, and they made six trips back over the next several years. It was their favorite vacation destination.

George was a member of Post # 676 of the Springfield American Legion. He was also a member of Central Christian Church in Springfield where he sang in the choir. His deep baritone voice blessed many people over the years. He enjoyed singing at weddings and funerals as well as in the choir. He always had a shot of Southern Comfort before singing.

“It clears my throat” he would say.

Following his retirement from the Post Office and Reserves, he and Virginia began traveling in their Winnebago motor home for the next 10 years. They became Texas snowbirds for a few years and made many lifelong friends. Then they settled in Branson, (in the RV) and George got a job driving the shuttle bus at Silver Dollar City. He loved telling stories as he drove the people to the city. He also made many new friends with the SDC employees.

He enjoyed gardening, (mostly growing tomatoes.) He always had a love for baseball, and played softball as a pitcher well into his 40’s. His favorite teams were the St Louis Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals. Rarely would George miss a game. If he couldn’t get them on the TV, he would listen to the games on the radio. He loved “His Cardinals” and was always a fan, win or lose. In fact, he planned his days around the games. He also enjoyed watching the KC Chiefs play football and stock car racing. He loved talking about himself to any interested listener.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Bill Gilleland and a sister Deloris Hall. Also, his son Richard Bruce (Rick) Gilleland, a stepdaughter Cheryl Treasure and granddaughter Jennifer Alspaugh, and grandson Justin McBee are waiting to greet him in heaven.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia of the home, stepdaughters Jamie Roberts (Charles) of Raymore, MO, Karen Murphy (Ed) of Friendswood Tx, Joy McBee (Jerry) of Clark MO. There are seven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving are nephew Dave Canaday (Sheila) of Branson, Denton Gilleland of Webb City and niece Dianne Henry (Chris).

Those who wish to remember him in a special way can do so by donating to the Beautiful Savior Assisted Living in Belton, MO. The last seven months of his life he called this home and was well taken care of there. He and his beautiful bride of 42 years were crowned King and Queen of the Valentine’s Day celebration there on February 14.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com for the Gilleland family.