Andrew Cleo "Ac" Piland Jr.

CONWAY, NC - Andrew (AC) Cleo Piland Jr., 86, of Conway, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on July 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 15, 1938, AC was the beloved son of the late Esther G. Piland and Andrew Cleo Piland Sr. He was raised in Northampton County and attended Severn Elementary and Conway High School, where he developed a deep-rooted love for his community, family, and the outdoors.
AC was married to the love of his life, Mary E. Piland, for 66 beautiful years. Together they built a strong and loving family that was always his greatest pride. He is survived by their four sons: Andy Piland (wife Jennifer), Ed Piland (wife Bobbi), Lee Piland, and Russel Piland (wife Jamie). He also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren: April and Katie Piland, Alicia and Taylor Piland, Megan and Chris Tedder, Merindy and Brittany Piland, Sabrina Piland, and Jeremy Piland. His extended family includes many who lovingly called him their own: Amber, Christina, Thomas, Brandon, AJ, and Sierra.
AC was blessed to have close bonds with his double first cousins, Walter and Cathy Piland (children Bradley, Stacy, and Calvin), Edwin and Susie Piland (children Corey and Catherine), and Rodger and Bonnie Piland (Kevin).
He was also cherished by his niece Julia and her husband Rudy Salas, along with their children Maria and Rudy III.
A lifelong outdoorsman, AC loved hunting, fishing, and farming. He was a proud member of the Coon Hunting Club, Wiccacanee Pond, Galatia Hunt Club, Diamond Grove Tower, and served on the Hampton Woods Board of Directors. He was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and unwavering values, which he worked hard to pass on to his children and grandchildren.
AC's working career began in road construction with Brown Paving. He later joined Ampac, which became Georgia Pacific, starting humbly as a floor sweeper. Through perseverance and dedication, he rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Plant Superintendent and later as Regional Manager. He dedicated over 30 years to Georgia Pacific before retiring to spend his days on the family farm, fishing, and enjoying time with his cherished family.
There will be a visitation at Garrett-Sykes Murfreesboro Chapel in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Conway Methodist Church in Conway on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Conway Cemetery. Rev. Robert Hill will officiate the service, and the Pallbearers are Linwood Coggins, Cannon Jones, Roger Piland, Walter Piland, Bradley Piland, and Calvin Piland. Edwin Piland and Chris Tedder will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made in A.C.'s memory directly to Conway Methodist Church, 213 S Church Street, Conway, NC 27820 or online by clicking here
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice Staff for their compassionate guidance during AC's final months, and to Margaret Fields and Zelma Johnson, who have become beloved members of the family through their devoted care. A special thank you also goes to the Dorthey Vick family for the countless acts of kindness they have shown over the years.
The outpouring of love and support from neighbors, church families, and lifelong friends will never be forgotten. AC Piland was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is honored to be assisting the Piland family with A.C.'s arrangements and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Cleo "AC" Piland, Jr., please visit our floral store.