July 2017
Darrell and Grace
Darrell and Grace Gilliland, F153488, retired in 1992, bought a motorhome, and joined FMCA. As much as Grace relished the opportunity to travel, she delighted in the lasting friendships that formed along the way.
“For her, it was always the friends she made, a lot of friends,” said Darrell, her husband of 62 years. He was FMCA national vice president, South Central Area, from 1996 to 1999. “She just loved people, loved interacting.”
Grace Louella Kelly Gilliland died April 16, 2017, at home in Gainesville, Texas. She was 85.
FMCA national president Charlie Adcock and his wife, Gloria, had just joined the organization when the Gillilands befriended them. “Darrell and Grace have been my biggest mentors,” Charlie said. “They immediately encouraged me to pursue offices in FMCA. And they mentored me up to and including (my position as) president. They were a very big influence on Gloria and me.”
Wonderful, Positive Person
Even when Grace was ill, “She never let you know she was feeling bad,” Gloria said. “She was always happy, always encouraging. She was a wonderful, positive person to be around.”
Grace, who started smoking in high school, liked to tell the story of why she quit. In 1997, her doctor warned her: “If you have a death wish, you could be gone in five years.” Actually, she had additional motivation for kicking the habit: “I did not want to die and have Darrell bring another woman into our motorhome!”
For seven years starting in 1994, the Gillilands traveled in their motorhome full-time. They formed FMCA’s Bluebonnet Travelers and Red River Rovers chapters, and they assisted with the formation of the Sooner Coaches chapter. They also served as officers of the Happy (OK) Wanderers chapter. Grace, who was an excellent writer, at various times wrote and published newsletters for the Wanderers and the Rovers. She also produced the daily news bulletin for the Six State Rally Association.
“Grace was a big helper to everybody and loved to write the newsletters,” said Fred Kennedy, also a former FMCA national vice president, South Central Area. “Grace loved FMCA and wanted to help make it better. We will all miss her and her input and willingness to help.”
Grace was born in Texas and grew up in Oklahoma. She retired from General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), where she worked in the accounting department.
In addition to Darrell, survivors include two children, two brothers, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Donations in Grace’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties, 316 S. Chestnut St., Gainesville, TX 76240.