Darrell Michael Gillan

DARRELL MICHAEL GILLAN, 64, passed away January 23, 2025, at his home in Lakeland, Florida.

Darrell was born in Munich, Germany to Murrell Michael Gillan and Mary Atwood Gillan.

Growing up in a military family, Darrell lived in many different states but graduated from Brushton-Moira High School in upstate New York where the family had a farm. He later moved back to Florida to get warm.

Darrell joined the United States Army in 1984 and was a Medical Specialist in the 82nd Airborne Division and The National Guard until 1987. He attended Florida Southern College, where his father was a professor. He transferred to NC Wesleyan University but came back to Florida Southern to finish his bachelor’s degree and graduated in December of 1987. He met his wife Nancy 2 weeks before graduation. Their 2nd date was Darrell’s graduation where she had to meet the entire family.

Darrell married Nancy on May 13th, 1989 and their son, Joseph, was born the following year.

He was employed at Galloway Carpet and Flooring as a salesman before going to work for Bernie Little Distributors. He started as a driver and worked his way up to Area Manager. He finished his career working in the logistics industry.

He was a founding board member of the Central Florida Autism Institute, belonged to the Moose Lodge, The VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed boating, fishing, days by the pool, Notre Dame Football and the Hallmark Channel. Darrell was bi-lingual. He spoke English and Gillanese.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy Baran Gillan, son Joseph Michael Gillan (Rachel) and 2 beautiful granddaughters Audrianna Marie and Emilia Rose. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Atwood Gillan, brother, David Mason Gillan (Maggie) and sister, Terry Gillan Millican.

He was preceded in death by his father Murrell Michael Gillan and an older brother, Patrick Thomas Gillan (twin of brother David).

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 31st 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland, Florida. Reception to follow at the Gillan home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. https://t2t.org/donate/

“WE ARE HERE FOR A GOOD TIME, NOT A LONG TIME.”