Joe Dean Gilliland

Joe Dean Gilliland, age 63, of Connelly Springs, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, March 03, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills SECU Inpatient in Forest City, North Carolina.  A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, born on May 15, 1957, he was the son of the late Hubert and Ernestine Conner Gilliland. 

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie Biddix Gilliland; and his second wife, Tonya Gilliland.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed fishing.  He never met a stranger, and it would do his heart good to make others laugh.  Joe truly loved his family, especially his children and his nieces and nephews. 

He is survived by one son, James Dean Gilliland of the home, and his mother, Christina Aiken; two sisters, Debra Piercy (Bill) of Morganton, North Carolina and Janet Cable (Jerry) of Marion, North Carolina; and one brother, Alvin Gilliland of Marion, North Carolina.  Joe is also survived by several aunts and uncles; numerous nieces and nephews; and a world of friends.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Pinnacle Christian Church in Nebo with Rev. Jimmy Upton and Rev. Jimmy Cannon officiating.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Gilliland’s memory are asked to consider, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hocf.org