Obituaries

David L. Gilland

Died Nov. 20, 2014

LAKE LEELANAU – David Lee Gilland, 55, of Lake Leelanau, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in South Haven, Mississippi.

David was born on July 15, 1959, in Traverse City, the son of Kyran and Lenora (Botruff) Gilland.

David joined the Coast Guard in 1977 and attended boot camp the summer before his senior year of high school.  David graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lake Leelanau in 1978.  He was stationed in Milwaukee, WI, until his honorable discharge in 1982.  David enjoyed stock car racing, NASCAR, fishing, and hunting.  He loved animals and most of all David loved to socialize. 

David followed in his father’s footsteps and began a career in truck driving and worked for many different companies over the years.

He belonged to the Trucker Charity Inc. and was a volunteer and Veterans Liaison for the charity.  He was a member of the Owner Operators Independent Driver’s Association, volunteered for the Special Olympics and participated in the Special Olympics convoy yearly.  Most of all, David had a heart of gold and truly loved his family.

David is survived by his parents; his children, Ryan (Laura), Kristin, and Tiffany; his granddaughter, Arloa; his brother, Terry Gilland; and sisters, Janet Schneider and Melinda Gilland; his niece, Kimberly McMullen; nephews, Justin Gilland, Alex Gilland, and C.J. Schneider; and very good friends, Paul Meier and Odessa “Vicky” Luke.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his brother, Jimmy; his sons, Kyran Lee and David Lee Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Leland Community UMC with a visitation held one hour prior.  Pastor Daniel Hofmann will officiate.  Internment with full military honors will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to the MS Society through the family and/or to Trucker Charity, P.O. Box 276, Summerfield, IL 62289.