Bobby Gene Gilliland

Bobby Gene Gilliland of McGregor Texas received complete healing on July 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Visitation was held at 8 a.m. following the Celebration of life at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Grace Gardens. The Interment followed at 10:30 a.m. at the McGregor Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lessie And Mattie Gilliland; his son, Randy Gene Gilliland; and two precious great-grandchildren: Michael and Liam Green.

He is survived by the love of his life for the last 65 years, Evia Mae Gilliland; his precious kids, Pamela Preston and husband, Bart; Sandra Schermerhorn and husband, Richard; Jimmy Gilliland and wife, Dana. He was the best Papa to Brandon and Leah Preston, Chad and Kristen Koch, Richard Jr. and Diana Schermerhorn, Mike and Samantha Green and Justin Gilliland. He adored his great-grandchildren: Landon, William, Natalie, Haydon, Kaylon, Evia Mae, Amelia, Paisley and soon-to-be baby boy, Killian.

Pallbearers were Justin Gilliland, Mike Green, Chad Koch, Miguel Mercado, Bart Preston, Richard Schermerhorn, Jr. and Tim Schmalriede.

We are all extremely lucky people. We are lucky because we had the opportunity to spend our lives knowing and being loved by one of, very possibly the most, kind-hearted and genuine man on this Earth.

Bobby, also fondly remembered as Papa, taught all of us invaluable lessons. He taught us how to fish, he shared music with us that we would have never discovered on our own, and he shared with us that simple meals like brown beans and cornbread are sometimes just the best. But he also taught us gratitude and how to treat other people and he did this by modeling those values everyday in his own life for us to witness.

He showed us what a husband should look like by always cherishing and respecting his wife. A love story as genuine as theirs is such a rare and beautiful thing and we are all lucky to have had the chance to learn from them about what a relationship should be.

He showed us what a father should be by always supporting and loving his children. He spoke softly, he smiled often, and his children never had to question their father’s love.

He showed us what a Papa should be by always expressing unconditional love for each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I wonder sometimes if he even knew how many things he was constantly teaching and sharing with us all by simply being himself. He modeled for us all everything that we needed to know to be the best parents, grandparents and family possible.

He will be missed and he will be forever remembered and loved for the incredible man that he was. Let us all make an effort to honor him by utilizing every lesson he has taught us about patience, kindness, and how to truly love and treat one another. Again, we are all very lucky.

We believe everyone who knew Bobby, knew that God worked through him and surely brought one of his most effective vessels home.