Mr. Michael Alva Gillean

Mike Alva Gillean, 75, went home to heaven on November 20, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He was born April 18, 1950, in Jacksonville, FL, the son of Alva Wood and Lois (Willis) Gillean.

Mike grew up in the Mandarin community, where his family faithfully attended Mandarin Baptist Church, where he professed Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He was an Eagle Scout as a boy and during high school worked as the church janitor. Mike graduated from Wolfson High School, Class of 1968. Mike married the love of his life, Libby Wilford, in 1972, and they celebrated 53 years of marriage this past July. They spent most of their life together in the Julington Creek area, where they had two children, Julie and Todd. They enjoyed many weekends on the creek and St. Johns River boating and skiing, with him as the all-time designated boat captain. One of his favorite events each year was watching the Blue Angel air show from the river in his boat, listening to Reba McIntire.

Mike served as a deacon at Mandarin Baptist Church. He and Libby were among the founding members of Fruit Cove Baptist Church, where they attended faithfully for 42 years, and he also served as a deacon. Mike worked in the automotive industry for over 50 years with the Coggin Automotive Group and O'Steen Automotive Group in various roles, including parts and service manager. All of Mike's employees loved him dearly, and he filled the role of Dad even in the workplace. Mike wore many hats, but taking care of his family, friends, and community's car needs was a specialty he took great pride in. When Mike retired, he and Libby moved to Greenville, FL, to escape city life for their family farm sanctuary. There, he became an active member of First Baptist Church, Madison, serving on various committees. He traded weekends on the boat in Julington Creek for enjoying tractor work, raising cattle, and keeping the local deer and turkey population heavily fed and happy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Lois Gillean, and his brother Harry Gillean. He is survived by his wife, Libby Gillean. His daughter, Julie Townsend, and her husband, Brian, of Madison, Florida. His son, Michael Todd Gillean, and his wife, Lauren, of Fruit Cove, Florida. His five grandsons, Zachary Brian (21), Braxton Robert (16), Hudson Wood (11), Beckett Todd (10), and Cannon Lee (7), and his granddaughter Kennedy Rose (2). His grandchildren were the light of his life and brought him so much joy. He is also survived by his brother Chuck Gillean (Pat), along with many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation service will be held Sunday, November 23rd, from 5-7 pm at First Baptist Church of Madison – 134 SW Meeting Ave, Madison, FL 32340. A service of remembrance will be held Monday, November 24th at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Madison, with a graveside service to follow at Concord Baptist Church, 787 NW Concord Church Rd, Greenville, FL 32331.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Madison sanctuary remodeling fund. PO Box 307, Madison, Fl 32341. For any questions, please call Beggs Funeral Home - Madison Chapel at (850) 973-2258. Condolences may be left on our website at beggsfuneral.com.