A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with burial to follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 20205, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.
Born on June 25, 1933, during the Depression to Tom and Florence Gilleland, and a descendant of Major Bryant and the Texas “Old Three Hundred,” Thomas was raised in San Marcos and Temple, Texas. After graduating from Temple High School, he delivered groceries in a 1940s Ford cabover truck for McLane Delivery in the surrounding area.
Tom joined the United States Air Force in the fall of 1953 and proudly served in the Korean War. Afterwards, in 1955 in Waco, TX, he married the love of his life, Billie Dawn Strange, and together they raised four children: Thomas Felix Gilleland III, Lauren Dawn, Lisa Gaye, and Lacy Ann. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.
During his time in uniform, he was stationed in Japan, Washington DC, Mississippi, Minnesota, Florida, Washington, Arizona, Northern California, Alaska, Klamath Falls, Oregon and Iran. After 30 years of service and obtaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, he retired in October 1983 before settling in Oregon and later in Belton, Texas.
Following his military career, Thomas dedicated 20 years to teaching at Rancier Junior High, retiring at the age of 70. Tom and Billie cherished their time together at their ranch, enjoying the company of family and raising donkeys.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Byron James.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Billie Dawn; his son, Thomas Felix Gilleland III and wife Irene of Klamath Falls, Oregon; daughters Lauren Dawn and husband Brent Vanderpol of Benjamin, Texas; Lisa Gaye and husband Doug Phillips of Harker Heights, Texas; and daughter Lacy Ann and husband Greg Stutzer of Orient, Washington. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory.
