George Omer Gilliland

George Omer Gilliland, 92, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away January 23, 2020. He was born January 8, 1928 in Indianapolis, Indiana to George and Harriette Gilliland; he was one of four children.

A lifetime Indianapolis resident, George attended Ben Davis High School prior to being drafted into the United States military on January 31, 1946. He dutifully served his country in the Army during WWII where he earned the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). George was honorably discharged on July 16, 1947. Our nation is forever grateful for both his service and dedication to our country. Upon leaving the Army, George returned home to continue growing his family with his loving wife, Mary Gilliland (Bright). The pair lived a beautiful, long life together and remained deeply in love at the time of her passing on November 1, 2004. He was a carpenter by trade and belonged to the local Carpenters Union; serving his community until the age of 70. He was always willing to take on additional jobs as needed to help care for his large family, a dedicated family man. George enjoyed coin collecting, air shows and airplanes, as well as serving his church and community. He was a member of Drexel Gardens Christian church, where he had faithfully attended since he was a child. He served as both a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Hawthorne Community Center could always rely on George being in attendance for lunch and bingo, where he earned the nickname “The Bread Man” as he would always stop to stock up on bread to give out to the community beforehand. Though all these memories describe who George was, he is best remembered as being a loving, kind, generous man who believed in working hard and family values. His passing leaves an empty space in the hearts of those who were blessed enough to meet him; peace can be found in knowing we will see him again. George was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all; he was truly one of a kind.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Harriette; loving wife, Mary; son, Mark Gilliland; siblings, Ruth and Barbara. Surviving to cherish his memory are children Vicki (Fred) Burke, Edward (Lonnie) Gilliland, Audrey Elaine (the late Danny) Wilson, David (Cindy) Gilliland, Valerie (Barry) Smith, Angela (Scott) Sedam; Stephen (LaVonn) Gilliland; sister, Doris “Dot” Hall; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, and 3 great-great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

All are welcome to visit Monday, January 27 from 4-8 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Floral Park, 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Services will take place Tuesday, January 28 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at Floral Park Cemetery immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in George’s memory to Drexel Gardens Christian Church.