Michael Gililland

Michael Gililland,62, of Fulton, MO, passed away on April 17, 2025. He was born on September 10, 1962 in Troy, MO to Robert (Bob) Gililland and Mary Lou (Schieffer) Jones. He was preceded in death by his son and one of his closest friends, Jacob (Jake) Gililland, but was blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Kinsley Gililland. Mike was a great teller of stories and lived a life that gave many to tell. He rode in the rodeo, he was a plumber, a trapper for years surviving off the land with just him and a blanket stealing donkey in the Rocky Mountains (before living off the grid was cool)(, then found a career in truck driving where he drove over a million miles, which I truly believe he thought of himself as "Smokey and the Bandit". He loved the idea of being an Outlaw, until after health issues had to leave driving and worked at Walmart in Fulton, where Mike, in his usual unique style, would have many that worked with him scratching their heads at him, but even so he still managed to create a group that became like family to him. His passion for animals and nature after living in the mountains never left him. His final wishes to be returned to the land there, he often contributed his knowledge of hunting and nature came his grandfather, John Schieffer, who preceded him in death, and shared the same passion and knowledge with his son, Jake, brother and nephews. (Where Mike insisted on only using black powder guns). He loved to cook and was known for it. He prided himself on the ability that he could make anything over an open fire. He loved to bake bread, he was excellent with a BBQ Grill/smoker or even make special candies to win the cooking contests at work. He loved to cook for others and did so regularly. He was not a man of technology and would often study plants and herbs for natural healing, love anything outdoors, even living in Fulton was known that not rain or shine MIke would be outdoors. He loved being outside. His passion for history was extensive and could tell you more about MO and the Civil War history than you would ever want to know. As strong and as gruff as he portrayed himself to be, it was hard not to see his kind heart and great sense of humor. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, the last beer in his cooler, the last food in his fridge and did so on multiple occasions. A humor that was truly his own. He requested, "Another Bites the Dust", as his funeral song. Mike loved to dance to some old country music and share many nights taking Ann to go dancing. He met many of the great country music artists on the road over the years, including Charlie Daniels, another requested song from Mike, "The Devil went Down to Georgia". He often expressed his creative side in his paintings, cooking, carving, storytelling, calligraphy written poetry on scrolls, calligraphy (with old feathers) because why just use a pen or computer. In short, a Cowboy, a lover of animals/nature, artist, dancer, poet, Christian, chief, a loving dad, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His constant support, the way his eyes completely lit up when he talked, his goofy grin, humorous stories, and his unshakeable love that made those he cherished feel loved and protected. He really was an original and One of the Greats. He is survived by significant other Ann Mealy, his sister, Gayle Marie Jones (William (Bill) Cunningham and son Luke (daughter-in-law, Melissa (Aleesha) Quintana, granddaughter, Kinsley Gililland, Curtis (Debbie Gililland, Alan Gililland, Carol Gililland, Ex Sheryl Gililland, Uncle Tom (Janelle) Schieffer of TN, many others, nephews, nieces, cousins, step-children, relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in Fulton, MO to toast him, hear some Country Gold music & Queen while reminiscing of good times and maybe create a new good story of our own to tell of him. It will be held on a Saturday, May, 24, 2025 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. to come and go as you wish in Fulton at Veteran Park Whitlow Pavilion (corner of 10th and Wood Street). Fulton, MO. Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook@www.mccoyblossomfh.com