Thomas Louis Gilland, Jr., 70 of Meridian, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in Meridian. Burial will follow in Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ Cemetery. Bro. Mark McFerren and Elder Allen Shortridge will officiate.

He was born Monday, February 15, 1954 in DeQuincy, Louisiana to his parents, Thomas Louis Gilland, Sr. and wife, Freddie Marie Hiner. In 1971, he proudly joined the United States Army. After being discharged honorably, in 1972, he went on to start a roofing business, of which he continued for 22 years. He went on to do ship fitting, carpentry, mechanics, electrical, painting, and so much more. He was a jack of all trades, and loved to put his hands to work. He was a faithful member of Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, pastored by Reverend Mark McFerren. He was happiest when he was working for his church. Many years he would keep the church yard cut and always looking great. He always offered his hands to work anytime there was church work to do. He was a willing servant in the Kingdom of God, helping his pastors with anything they were doing.

His hobbies usually consisted of being out in his boat fishing, or restoring old cars. He was an amazing artist, he also loved to airbrush. He was faithful to read his newspaper every morning before he would start his day, and he never failed to crack a joke to make someone laugh. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas L. and Freddie Hiner Gilland and one sister, Virginia Lee Thomas.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of forty-four years, Mrs. Catherine Renee Corley Gilland of Meridian; two daughters, Reshea Moor (Seth) of Liberty, TX and Gina Harvey of Moselle; five grandchildren and one sister, Latricia Mabry of Vider, TX; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Seth Moor, Fia Moor, Hunter McFerren, Dakota McFerren, Benny Fawley, and Samuel Fairchild.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 am until 12:55 pm at the church.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com