Charles W. “J.R.” Gilliland, age 64, of Wellston, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013, at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born November 10, 1949 in McArthur, Ohio to Charles W. Gilliland and Sarah Exline Gilliland.
J.R. was a 1968 graduate of Groveport High School. He retired from the United States Air Force, with 20 years of service, where he was an instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. J.R. was presently employed as an electrician at General Mills. He was a member of the Trinity Chapel in Jackson and the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston.
J.R. is survived by his mother, Sarah Gilliland of Wellston; his wife of 39 years, Vicki Gray Gilliland; two children, Chad (Desi) Gilliland, Sr. of Wellston and Tara (Adam) Kight of Wellston; five grandchildren, Lisa Gilliland, Chad “C.J.” Gilliland, Jr., Isaiah Gilliland, Kayla Kight and Cameron Kight; brothers and sisters, Mike Gilliland of Jackson, Linda Snider of Jackson, Paul Gilliland of Wellston and Brenda Burgett of Jackson; mother-in-law, Rita Sherwood Gray of Wellston, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Gilliland and his father-in-law, Gene “Peanut” Gray.
Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Bob Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #371 of Wellston and the United States Air Force. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.