Eddie Walter Piland

Edward is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, La Donna Gaye Piland, his son Mark Piland and his wife, Tina, son Jay Piland and his wife, Claire, his stepdaughter Cretia Gill and her husband, Adam, and his stepson Cody Carpenter and his wife, Jenny. He leaves behind his ten grandchildren and their families: Haylee Senn, Brooke Wilmore, Kris Taylor Bromley, Alex Piland, Jake Piland, Jay Reed Piland, Matthew Piland, Lincoln Carpenter, Mia Gill, and Cannon Gill. He also leaves behind three great grandchildren Reese and Oliver Wilmore, and Beckham Senn. Jake Piland and his wife will soon be adding their first to this list. In addition, Edward is survived by his sister-in-law, Sue Piland, brother-in-law, Timothy Green, and niece Vicki Reininger.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Joy Piland, his parents Leon and Velma Eddins Piland, as well as his brother Gene Piland and nephew Joe Piland.

Growing up in North Texas, Ed or Eddie, as he was affectionately known, was enamored with the game of golf and participated in the state playoffs as a young man in addition to being his senior class president. Saved at 5 years old, Eddie grew in wisdom and stature through the years in both his career as a pharmacist after attending Texas Tech University and then completing pharmacy school at the University of Oklahoma, as well as in his spiritual walk with The Lord.

Even before entering college, Eddie was hired by John Fowler and was shown generosity by him and various other special people in his life, which he never forgot. Rather, he paid it forward by always being willing to lend a hand and giving without expectation to innumerable people, whether that be through gifts, scholarships, his time, or his encouragement. His life was dedicated to helping others and it was apparent in all facets, including in his place of business as he worked tirelessly from his first pharmaceutical position in Snyder, TX until he owned his own drug store, Eddie’s Pharmacy, in Colorado City, TX. Those who worked for him knew him to be thoughtful and intentional as well as giving.

He was also incredibly involved in the community of Colorado City, TX, where he settled with his first wife, Joy, and raised his sons Mark and Jay. After the loss of his precious wife, Eddie remarried Gaye Piland raising and pouring into Cretia and Cody. Besides taking care of family and friends, Eddie was president of the Colorado City Chamber of Commerce, served on the Colorado City Council and the Colorado Independent School District Board, and was president of the Colorado City Industrial Foundation. Moreover, he took an active role in his church, First Baptist of Colorado City, as a Sunday School teacher first for adolescent boys and then with young married couples, impacting their lives in immeasurable ways.

Eddie had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He often spent his spare time researching topics of interest, as well as studying and marking up his Bible. He enjoyed playing that timeless sport of golf as well as watching it and the news. He was never scared to take on new opportunities, like moving to San Antonio to begin a new venture, after selling his pharmacy, to own and operate several Hallmark stores across the area. In all he did, Eddie did it with joy, honesty, and integrity, led by his Creator.

Those who knew Eddie Piland will recall his infectious laughter, overwhelming spirit of charity, and his unwavering faith in Jesus. He had a rare gift for making you feel singularly special and will be remembered for touching the lives of countless people.

A Memorial Service for Edward Piland will be held on Friday, April 25 at First Baptist Church, Colorado City, TX, at 10am.

Although Eddie’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his character will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing and may we carry forth his legacy of compassion and generosity in all that we do. As you continue to worship Jesus in heaven, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts Pappaw.

‍The family will receive friends and family for a visitation at Kiker-Seale Funeral Home, Colorado City, TX, on Thursday, April 24 from 6 — 8pm.