Willis E Gilliland

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Cecil Gilliland (Nettie Mae), Elvin Gilliland (Jane), and Everett Gilliland (Natasha), sister Majorie Dennis; and his son, Steven Gilliland. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Martha Gilliland; son Bruce Gilliland (Kelly); grandchildren, Benjamin Gilliland, and Daniel Gilliland (Maggie); his sister Robbie Dean Whetstone (Alex); and numerous nieces and nephews.

After growing up in Rockford, Alabama, in Coosa County, Willis served as a Communications Specialists in the US Army during the Korean War. Shortly after his Honorable Discharge, he and Martha married in Gulfport, MS. He then had a long career with South Central Bell/AT&T until his retirement and then worked for the Department of Industrial Relations for the State of Alabama. He and Martha raised their children in Montgomery, and then after his retirement from the State, they moved to Lake Martin and lived many years in a cabin that he built. They moved to Birmingham in 2005 to be closer to the grandchildren.

Willis was proud of his family as a husband, father, and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with them. After moving to Birmingham, he and Martha attended most all of the grandkid’s sporting and school events. Growing up on a farm, he was no stranger to hard work and a strong work ethic. This upbringing also taught him the value of saving and holding onto things that you never knew if you might need. He was an industrious man who was able to fix anything. He was a licenses Ham radio operator and versed in morse code. He served at Dalraida Baptist Church in Montgomery and First Baptist Church of Eclectic in the sound booth running the sound for the services. Most recently, he was an active member of North Shelby Baptist Church and the family requests memorial donations be made to the Building Fund of North Shelby Baptist Church.

Willis was meek and humble and a man of few words, but always quick with a tidbit of wisdom, a smile, and a hug. He will be missed.