Howard Lee Gilliland, Sr.

Howard Lee Gilliland, Sr., 88, of Siler City died Friday, November 4, 2011 at Siler City Care & Rehabilitation, Siler City. Mr. Gilliland was born November 22, 1922, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Lila (Dixon) Gilliland. Mr. Gilliland was a lifelong resident of Chatham County, and retired owner-operator of Downtown Phillips 66 Service Station. He was a member of Oakley Baptist Church, a Deacon, former Sunday School Superintendant, Lou Clark Recreational Park Director and was very active for many years in the church. Howard was an avid sportsman and loved gardening. After retirement he worked for the D.O.T. roadside mowing and later became a foreman. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ruby Coble Gilliland, and a daughter, Patricia Ann Gilliland. He is survived by a son; Howard Lee Gilliland, Jr. and wife, Janice of Cary, NC; a daughter: Pam G. Henson and husband, Greg of Siler City, NC; three sisters: Mozelle G. Fields of Siler City, NC, Shirley G. Edmisten of Siler City, NC, Allene G. Amos of Monticello, GA; a brother: Ray Gilliland of Siler City, NC; grandchildren, Emily Henson and Jack Henson of Siler City, NC; Leslie Gilliland Lynette and husband, Chris of Garner, NC; great granddaughters, Haley, Hannah and Hayden Lynette. The family will receive friends Monday, November 7, 2011 from 9:30-11:00 AM at Oakley Baptist Church, 2300 Siler City-Glendon Road, Siler City, NC and other times at the home of Pam and Greg Henson, 296 Howard Gilliland Road, Siler City. The funeral will be Monday, November 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Oakley Baptist Church, 2300 Siler City-Glendon Road, Siler City with Rev. Dr. Brian Sandifer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Community Home Care & Hospice, 1414 E. Eleventh Street, Siler City, NC 27344 or to the Lou Clark Recreational Fund, c/o Oakley Baptist Church, 2300 Siler City-Glendon Road, Siler City, NC 27344. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com