Russell Gilliland, Sr.

Mr. Russell Ethen Gilliland, Sr., 92, of Bennett, died Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Pine Lake in Carthage, N.C. . The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Pleasant Grove Christian Church. The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. following the visitation with Rev. Tim Strider and Rev. Don Edwards presiding. Burial will follow immediately in the church cemetery.

Russell was born in Chatham County, N.C. on August 26, 1924, son of the late Rufus King Gilliland and Missouri Adelaide Brown Gilliland. He worked in the textile industry all of his life, retiring at 80 years old. After his retirement, he enjoyed working with honeybees and gardening. He was a long time member of the Tri-County Ruritan Club. He loved time with friends and family and especially his little dog Mia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, four brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his daughters, Jolene Frye of Mary Esther, Florida and Lela Gilliland of Asheboro; Two sons, Russell Ethen Gilliland, Jr. and wife Brenda and John Monroe Gilliland and wife Becky all of Bennett; One sister, Della Mae Smith of Siler City; Six grandchildren, Fourteen Great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery Fund P. O. Box 94 Bennett, N.C. 27208 or a charity of choice.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com .

Joyce - Brady Chapel of Bennett, N.C. is honored to serve the Gilliland family.