Leslie (Les) Foster Gilliland || Obituary

Leslie (Les) Foster Gilliland passed away on Sept. 28, 2023, at Paris Regional Health Hospital, Paris.

He was born in 1945, to Bernard Hale Gilliland and Audrey Mae Foster Gilliland, in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Ferris State University in 1973, with a pharmacy degree, having taken a 4-year break midway to serve as a Navy Corpsman at the Portsmouth, Virginia Naval Hospital. Les grew up in Otsego, Michigan, where he later was on the City Council, worked as a volunteer fireman, and worked full-time as a pharmacist.

In 1980, Les came to Paris to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He worked there as a staff pharmacist, Pharmacy Director, and Materials Manager. During 30 years at the hospital, he worked through many changes. Les was also active with the Paris Community Theater, working on sets, lighting, acting, and directing. He said his first laughs received as an actor on stage got him “hooked” on theater.

In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, hoping to “shoot his age”. Getting a hole-in-one on two occasions gave him bragging rights.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Gilliland, and his brothers, Darl Gilliland (Joyce) of Otsego, Michigan, and Paul Gilliland (Susan) of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Sister, Patricia Horsley of Blairsville, Georgia. Sons, Rob (Kate) Gilliland of Sachse, Rick (Gaylene) Gilliland of Carrollton,  and James (Karla) Gilliland of Burleson. “Bonus” kids, Aaron (Yvonne) Bailey of Plano, Adrienne (Aaron) Payton of Wylie. Grandkids: Miranda, Gareth, Audrie, Sarina, Arabella, Kassidy, and Trevor Gilliland, Austin and Avery Payton, Nicholas and Barrett Bailey.

Cremation is under the direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home with inurnment at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. No funeral at Les’s request. 

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com

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