Roger Ben Gilleland

Roger Ben Gilleland, born January 26, 1933, passed away on February 19, 2015. His love though will live on through his bride of sixty-one years, Bobbie, his sisters Atholene (Herman) and Mary, his brothers Walt (Peggy) and Gene (Jo), and his beloved children Tina Meers (Phil), Tony Gilleland (Pam), and Trudy Gilleland. Roger's grandchildren Shawna Meers-Ernst, Crystal Meers-Bobo, Matthew Gilleland, and Joshua Gilleland, are eternally grateful for their pop's unwavering support. Roger's great-grandchildren include Carson Ernst, Bailey and Brady Bobo, and Maddux Ben Meers.
Whether you called Roger daddy, pop, brother, fellow Braves fan, golfing buddy, or friend, you always knew that he was someone whom you could depend on. Roger, a member of Hightower Baptist Church, relished in his opportunity to teach Sunday school. He found so much joy in studying one of his well-worn Bibles and delivering a message to his class every Sunday. Roger understood the responsibility he was afforded and he continued to teach for twenty-five years. In his professional life, Roger worked as an electrician for over four decades. His career took him from the early stages of Hartsfield Jackson Airport to places such as Jacksonville, Florida, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Just like Sunday school, Roger valued any contribution he could make. Even today, Roger's quality as a fair and just employer are found in the stories often relayed to his family.
A favorite past time shared with Roger was one of storytelling. His family loved to hear him recall various life events. Roger served in the U.S. Army and his time as an M.P. riding trains to Savannah, keeping the peace, "you know how young guys can be" he would say and his time in Germany and France would often be the subject of such treasured stories. The photographs and love notes exchanged between Roger and Bobbie during his military years are a beautiful representation of their future as a family.
Roger had many inspiring qualities. He was gifted at understanding the needs of people around him and he knew how to turn a difficult situation into something better. He was a man of absolute integrity in everything he did. He, above all, unconditionally loved his family through every season of their lives.


Funeral services will be held Monday, February 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hightower Baptist Church with Rev. Gerral Richards, Rev. Ronnie McCormick and Rev. Scott Huskins officiating. Interment will follow on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. in Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.