Dr. R. N. Gilliland, Sr.

Dr. Robert Neaves Gilliland, Sr. passed away peacefully at age 91 on July 28 in Kosciusko, MS. Robert (Bob) was born on October 18, 1932, in Kosciusko to the late Beulah Neaves Gilliland and Samuel Nesbitt Gilliland. He graduated from Sallis High School. He then attended Holmes Junior College and in 2012 was honored as Alumnus of the Year. While there, he focused on his studies and excelled academically in anticipation of attending medical school. After graduating from Holmes Junior College in 1952, he transferred to the University of Mississippi. In the fall of 1953, he enrolled in Tulane Medical School, graduating in 1957, and then completed a one-year internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans.

Dr. Gilliland served as Attala County Health Officer for one year before serving as Medical Officer in the US Air Force in Prestwick, Scotland. Upon returning to Mississippi in 1961, he practiced Family Medicine in Yazoo City for three years before joining Attala Medical Clinic in Kosciusko. In 1994, the clinic became a part of the Methodist Medical System where he continued to practice until his retirement in 1997. Throughout his practice he held memberships in numerous professional organizations.

His exemplary career spanned 40 years. He lovingly and compassionately cared for his patients. Many remember him with great fondness and love for his friendship, the wisdom he shared, and the care he gave them and their family members. He was well-respected in the community and touched the lives of many people.

He was an involved and dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Kosciusko, which recently became Redbud Springs Cornerstone Church, where he became a member. He served on multiple committees and ministries.

Dr. Gilliland and his wife, Marian Frances (Fran) Dodd Gilliland, were married for 58 years until her passing in 2013. As a family, they enjoyed water skiing and traveled to several states for many summer vacations along with other local families with the same interests. Among his other hobbies were flying radio control airplanes, hunting, tennis and tinkering as a shade tree mechanic. As much as he enjoyed these activities, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren became his treasured pastime.

He is survived by his three children, Rob Gilliland of Kosciusko, Dr. Dave (Peggy) Gilliland of Tupelo and Melinda Gilliland of Madison; three grandchildren, David (Ashley) Gilliland, Emily (Scott) Davis, DPT and Dr. Ben (Elena) Gilliland; and seven great-grandchildren, Marian and Hattie Rose Gilliland; Will, Parker and Lucy Davis; and Rosemary and Henry Gilliland. He is also survived by his sister Margaret (Thad) Harrell and multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm at Jordan Funeral Home, and Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Redbud Springs Cornerstone Church just off the court square in Kosciusko. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Redbud Springs Cornerstone Church in Kosciusko and the committal service will be at Parkway Cemetery. Rev. Gary Glazier will be officiating the service. Jordan Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redbud Springs Cornerstone Church P.O. Box 1293 Kosciusko, MS 39090.

Serving as pallbearers are Dusty Pearson, Jesse Pearson, Joseph Pearson, Terry Ables, Brooks Ables, Robin Skelton, Cole Skelton, and Jeff McPherson.