Obituary of Gene Gilliand

On the morning of January 19th, 2019, Gene Gilliand of Talladega, Alabama passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep. He was 80 years old. Gene was born in 1938 in Talladega to Jessie and Pearl Gilliand. He worked at several of the local textile mills, Quality Overhaul, and for many years at Anniston Army Depot where he also served in the AFGE local 1945. Gene always did his best to help the workers he represented. Gene finished his work life at Georgia Pacific where he worked in the Security department. In 1962 he married Peggy Gilliand and together they raised 3 children, Barry, Jenny, and Chris. Although Gene traveled the world in the Navy he always called Talladega home. He said it was the best place he had been and loved his home town. He also loved Alabama and was a lifelong fan of the Crimson Tide. He was also a proud member of the American Legion. Gene is survived by his wife Peggy, his sons Barry and Chris, and his daughter Jenny. Gene is also survived by his sisters Jessie and Dorothy, brothers James and Jerry, his brothers in law, Terry and Jerry, and many nephews, nieces, and friends. Graveside Services will be 3:00pm Monday January 21, 2019 at Eastaboga Baptist Church Cemetery. His Family will receive friends Monday from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM at Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega. In lieu of flowers please make a donation if you can in Gene’s name to Wounded Warriors Family Support. Their web site is https://www.wwfs.org/ Usrey Funeral Home Talladega is directing service.