M. C. Gilliland

Mr. M.C. Gilliland, age 79, of Vidalia, died Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia, following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Brownsville, Alabama on January 27, 1944, to Kalam and Martha Gilliland.  He was a 1962 graduate of Brownville High School, and soon after served four years in the U.S. Air Force.  He continued his military career in the U.S. Army as an automotive mechanic where he served one tour of duty in Vietnam and retired after twenty years of combined military service.  He served in the Army Reserve, and his unit was deployed to the Middle East where he served in Desert Storm.  He lived in Northport, Alabama until moving to Vidalia in 1991, and worked with Trane in Vidalia for many years before retiring again.  With his mechanical background, he was very handy and could fix anything.  He always worked hard to support his family, often working in the family garden early before going to work at his usual job.  In his time off, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a stepson, Mike Burkett; grandson, Will Burkett; granddaughter, Alyssa Burkett; and a sister, Janice Parker. 

His family includes his wife of thirty-one years, Lynn Gilliland; two children, Eric Gilliland of Grapevine, Texas, and Nicole Masoner of Gordo, Alabama; two stepsons, Jim Burkett and Paul Burkett; one sister, Marion Latham; one brother, Kalam Gilliland; eight grandchildren, Brandon Masoner, Jonathan Masoner, Gabriel Burkett, Julius Burkett, Kevin Burkett, Brittany Burkett, Blake Burkett, and Madilyn Burkett; and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Mr. Gilliland’s wishes, he will be cremated, and there will be no memorial service.    

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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