Thomas Franklin Gilliland

Thomas F Gilliland of Oklahoma City Ok passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in Chester, PA on December 28, 1934, to Mary Ella (Clanton) and Henry T. Gilliland. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Roberta J. Gilliland, his daughter Cherry L. Steele and her husband James of Mustang, OK and Valerie C. Easley of Oklahoma City, OK. Sister-in-laws Kathy Woodall and Patsy Martin and husband Ronnie. Thomas was blessed with eight grandchildren- Ryan, Hailey, Amanda, Rowen, Clint, Mickel, Ashley and Jimmy. Also, he had eleven great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Nieces Jane Ann, Johnna and Julie, Linda and nephew Claude of Shelbyville, TN. Brother-in-laws William Cleek, Jr and Edward Cleek also of Shelbyville, TN.

Preceded in death by wife and mother of his 4 children, L Fay Gilliland, daughter Laetitia R. Robbins, son T. Blain Gilliland, parents Mary Ella and Henry Gilliland, sisters Sarah Christie and husband Tom, Vera and Claude Gibbs, and daughter Mary. His brother Donald Gilliland and wife Ruby all of Shelbyville, TN.

Thomas started his long career of Auto Mechanics at Blanton Automotive located in Shelbyville, TN. He later moved the family to Oklahoma City seeking employment and found his life-long job for over 60 years at Joe Rowland/Freddie Bales Automotive, until his retirement.

As a member of Ridgecrest/Cornerstone United Methodist Church, in Oklahoma City, OK Tom enjoyed delivering meals-on-wheels to the home-bound church members. He was an avid golfer for many years and loved camping and his dog “Daisy”. Dad was a very detailed storyteller and told us many stories and his childhood adventures.

Mr. Tom didn’t hesitate to help a neighbor and could always be counted on to find a fix for anything that was broken. If there was a will there was a way.

We were very blessed to have dad in our lives. No words can express the depth of our loss.