Ronald Joe Gilliland

Ronald (Ronnie) Joe Gilliland, 79, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on January 4, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1945, to Frank and Maxine (Johnson) Gilliland, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Ronnie served several years in the United States Army as a dedicated staff sergeant and was a Vietnam Veteran. He later worked in the oil field as a frac-truck operator for Dowell Schlumberger. Ronnie enjoyed picking guitars, singing, traveling, camping, and spending time with friends and family. His favorite pastime included watching black-and-white Westerns and beginning each day drinking coffee with his best friends, Tony and DeVon Gourley. Throughout his life, he cherished his time with his seven brothers and sisters, which usually included a lot of friendly banter. Ronnie was a strong, hardworking provider for his family, and would do anything for his children and grandchildren. He will truly be missed by many. 

Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Crystal Rowe of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Justin Gilliland of Lawton, Oklahoma; two sisters, and a brother, Frankie Peak, Tammy Rubin, and Sammy Gilliland, all of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Devan, Caden, Cooper, and Corbin; and three great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Chet, and Baylon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Maxine; three brothers, Thomas Gilliland, Billy Gilliland, and Charlie Gilliland; and a sister, Jeanne Hazelrigg. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel with Brother DJ Castoe officiating. Burial will follow at the Dewey Cemetery in Dewey, Oklahoma with Justin Gilliland, Cooper Rowe, Corbin Rowe, Chris Peak, Sam Gilliland, and Jeff Peak serving as casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave a message, please visit his guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.