Ronald "Ron" Gilleland

Ronald Gilleland—known as “Daddy” to his daughters and “Granddad” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and Ron to his friends—went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and a lifetime of caring for others. Ron was born in Gainesville, Georgia on September 30, 1945 to Noah and Flonia (Allison) Gilleland. He shared his childhood with 7 brothers and sisters. At a young age, his family relocated to Griffin, Georgia, where he spent most of his early life and met the love of his life, Betty. The stories they share of their courtship paint the most beautiful picture of true love. In January of 1963, Ron joined the Army, and after he and Betty were married, she joined him at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Ron and his beloved wife, Betty Carole Gilleland, shared 63 years of marriage. They built their life together in Buford, Georgia, loving their family, serving others, and sharing a passion for quilting, woodworking, and painting. He thrived on sharing his love of woodworking with his grandsons as well as his knowledge of mechanics when working on all of our automobiles and anything with an engine. Ron was an avid quilter, a talent and joy he shared with Betty. He especially enjoyed keeping her busy in the kitchen, baking his favorite pound cake so he could sit down with a good cup of coffee and enjoy it. Don't get us started on his love of Southern Gospel...many precious evenings were spent with that pound cake, cup of coffee and holding Betty's hand, all their favorites sweetly playing in the background. But more than anything, Ron loved his family. His wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy. He treasured every moment with them, and they knew without a doubt how much they were loved. His home and his heart were always open, and he never allowed anyone to feel like a stranger. Ron was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back and ask if there was anything else you needed, followed by offering you a cup of coffee, too. Ron served countless bus drivers for more than 25 years through Gwinnett County Schools, doing so with joy, dedication, and genuine passion. His work was more than a job to him—it was another opportunity to serve people and make a difference. He and his late son, and best friend, Jeff, shared a bond that was extraordinary. When Jeff passed away in 2016, Ron's heart was forever changed. He carried that loss deeply, as did Betty, but their love for Jeff never faded. Ron was known for his quick wit and his ability to make people laugh. Whenever his family would ask, “How do you feel, Dad?” his answer never changed: “With my fingers.” That simple response will forever be one of the many things his family remembers with a smile. Ron is survived by his loving wife and lifelong friend, Betty Carole Gilleland; daughter Lori Durnell and her husband, Richard, of Gainesville, Georgia; daughter Crystal Jordan and her husband, Gary, of Ball Ground, Georgia; grandchildren, Kari Martin and her husband, Cody, of Braselton, Georgia; Daniel Butler of Ball Ground, Georgia; Justin Kinsey of Gainesville, Georgia; and Cody Butler of Ball Ground, Georgia; as well as his great-grandchildren, Brystal, Landyn, Emersyn and Saydi who have been learning at early ages about the gifts of his hands and power of his presence. Ron is also survived by his sister, Mae Thayer of Thomaston, Georgia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron and his family are people who laugh, cry, love deeply, and most importantly, love Jesus and love people. His absence leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of all who knew him. We will miss his quick wit, his laughter, his generous spirit, and his endless love; but we do not say goodbye forever. God made us a promise, and because of that promise, we know we will see him again. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Josh Thayer officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Hamilton Mill Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Ronald "Ron" Gilleland

September 30, 1945 - August 29, 2026