Johnny Glen Gilliland 1939-2025

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Johnny Glen Gilliland on Aug. 3, 2025 at age 86 at home in Quitman, surrounded by family. 

Johnny Glen was born on Aug. 1, 1939, at home in Quitman to Garner Vue Gilliland and Vera Beatrice (Thompson) Gilliland.

He married the love of his life Evelyn Verniece Terry of Alba on Oct. 1, 1960, and they enjoyed 44 years of married life together until Evelyn’s death in 2024. They made a home and raised their children on family property. Johnny loved to be surrounded by family and always enjoyed the large family gatherings on holidays and special occasions. 

Johnny Glen was one of the first linemen hired at People’s Telephone Cooperative on Aug. 22, 1960. He had a long career with People’s holding several positions during his tenure and making lifelong friends in the process. He retired on Sept. 30, 1994, with 34 years of dedicated service. After retirement he enjoyed going to the annual company picnic meeting and Christmas party and being able to stay in touch with friends. 

In his younger years he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved planting a garden every spring and watching over the many heads of cattle that he raised. Every year he made sure that his Martin house was ready for the return of his favorite birds. Later in life watching Westerns and learning to enjoy hockey with his grandson Matthew was a favorite pastime. Johnny also enjoyed the occasional trip to Shreveport or Grant where trying his luck always brought hours of fun. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn; and sisters, Margaret Ann Gilliland and Mary Magdalene Kernes.

He is survived by his daughter, Lucinda Jane Estoll of Quitman; son, Robert Glen Gilliland and wife Kathleen Ann Gilliland of Alba; grandchildren, Michael Estoll and wife Caren, Matthew Estoll, Shannon Pruden, Jamie Garcia-Dulude and husband Zach, Morgan Baxter, Stephen Baxter and Colin Baxter and wife Emily; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Estoll, Jayden Pruden, Jett Pruden, Sebastian Garcia, Bowen Garcia, Watson Garcia, Emmy Dulude, Sadie Dulude, Oakley Dulude and Sawyer Dulude; and host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Johnny was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations with Pastor Michael Mize and Pastor Byron George officiating. Graveside service followed at Clover Hill Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations. 

Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Williams, Jimmy Roders, Joe Hogue, Bobby Thompson, Mike McQueen and Rodney Allen.