Jesse Clyde Gilliland, Sr., 81, of Helena, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
A loving husband, father and friend, he was affectionally known to all as “J.C.” J.C. was born on May 19, 1942 in Jasper, Alabama to the late Hubert Varrick Gilliland and Bethel Jane Sherer. He is also proceeded in death by a grandson, Edward Jesse Lowe. J.C. married his beloved wife Arleen Elizabeth on October 30, 1970 and they remained together until his death.
J.C. graduated from Dora High School and was later employed by Republic Steel until 1982. He then began Gilliland Tree Service of which along with Arleen, he owned and operated until present. J.C. considered his customers his friends and would want each and every one of them to know they were loved.
J.C. and Arleen were two of the founding members of Crossbridge Community Church. As local missionaries the couple was called to join Mars Hill Community Baptist Church to preserve its fundamental service and advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the year 1991, J.C. was recognized as the firefighter and life saver of the year, for the state of Alabama.
J.C. is survived by his wife of 53 years, Arleen Elizabeth Gilliland. One son and namesake, Jesse Clyde Gilliland, Jr (Jennifer), three daughters, Lisa Alley (Scott), Kay Romine (Philip), and Angela Lowe (Bobby).
His brother James Hubert Gilliland (Eleanor), his sister Jane Trimm. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Collin-Burke Funeral Home in Jasper, AL on January 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the Collins-Burke Chapel. Burial will be at Mars Hill Cemetery. Harris Cook and Tim Hyde will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
