Billy James Gilliland, age 86 of Harrison, Arkansas died on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Baxter County, Arkansas on June 28, 1935 to Leon Carl Gilliland and Eva Martin Gilliland.

He worked for many years with Arkansas Power and Light as a lineman where he received recognition as a highly skilled lineman with a strong work ethic.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and tending to his many vegetable gardens.

He was known for his delicious southern cooking and delighted in feeding his family and friends in gatherings both large and small.

He loved telling stories about the “old days” and his strong, clever, and witty personality will be strongly missed by those who knew him.

Survivors include son, Brett Gilliland (Emily) of Bunnell, Florida; daughters, Tammy Belote (Rick) of Conway, Arkansas and Jayme Kimbrell (Todd) of Madison, Mississippi; step-daughter, Cathy Hollingsworth (Brooks) of Conway, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon Carl and Eva Gilliland; wife of forty-seven years, Carlene Ratchford Gilliland; and siblings, Barbara Medley, Charles Gilliland, CJ Gilliand, Carlene Cooper, Dale Shelton, Gale Gilliland and Nova Lee Goodman.

Graveside services were 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 1, 2021 at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Jack Gilliland officiating. He was laid to rest beside his deceased wife, Carlene Ratchford Gilliland who passed away in 2014.