Harold Douglas Gilliland

COACH HAROLD DOUGLAS GILLILAND, age 80 of Jemison, passed away on November 17, 2022 peacefully surrounded by family at his residence.  He was born in Clanton, AL on August 13, 1942; son of the late Shelley Gilliland and the late Ruth Culp Gilliland.

He was a graduate of Isabella High School and Livingston State College (presently know as University of West Alabama) with a degree in History.  At Livingston Gilliland played 3 years of basketball and served as President of his Fraternity. 

Coach Gilliland began his career at Calera High School as a history teacher and football coach.  He moved to Thorsby High School where he started the football program and assisted in having Susan Bentley Field built.  He was a teacher, coach and administrator for 40 years in the Alabama High School Association and Alabama Independent School Association.  Serving at Calera High School, Thorsby High School, Isabella High School, Jemison High School, St James High School, Coosa Valley Academy and Autauga Academy.    

He is survived by: Wife, Judy Kincaid Gilliland; Sons, Doug Gilliland of Panama City Beach, FL, Lance (Sarah) Gilliland of Chelsea, AL, Landon Gilliland of Orange Beach, AL and Lake (Cyndi) Gilliland of Jemison, AL; Grandchildren, Christian Gilliland, Ensleigh Gilliland, Elijah Gilliland, Noah Gilliland, Judah Gilliland, IsaBella Gilliland, Olivia Gilliland, Cameron Gilliland, Cade Gilliland and Cruz Gilliland; Special Daughter, Carol (Jay) Gore Childress; Special Sister, Elaine (Cliff) Wilson Clark; Special Friends, Alton (Scooter) and Paula Culp; Special Sons, Jalyn Culp and Brandon (Kim) Culp and the many students/players he had the privilege of teaching and coaching.

He is preceded in death by; parents, Shelley and Ruth Gilliland; brother and sister, Seth (Gip) Gilliland and Olivia Gilliland Wilson; Special Dad, Sam Wilson; Special Brother, Wayne Wilson.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 4:00pm from the Helen Jenkins Hall at Thorsby High School (Auditorium) with Rev. Billy Wyatt officiating.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.

A private family interment will take place on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Mt. Nebo Methodist Cemetery in Clanton, AL.

The family request in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Coach Harold Gilliland Fund c/o Judy Gilliland at any Marion Community Bank.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com