Troy M. Gilliland's Obituary
Troy Mcfarlin Gilliland was born January 20th, 1957 in Nashville Tennessee to Jan Gloria Gilliland, and Franklin Gilliland, where he proudly lived his entire life. He passed away at the age of 69 years old on January 30th, 2026. A proudly independent man, his family takes comfort in knowing that he passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home, where he would have wanted to leave this earth. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will be carried on in his two sons, and by his family and friends.
Troy's childhood was spent mostly outdoors, spending time with his sister and friends. He attended T.P.S. school, and graduated class of 1974. Troy was avid lover of art, and early on in life found a passion for creating art himself, later studying at the Harris school of Art in Franklin Tennessee. Throughout his life, he created many pieces that are still proudly displayed to this day. At one point in his early career, he explored photography and filmography, working a brief stint as a professional camera operator. Troy was also an enthusiast of Martial Arts, originally introduced to the sport by his sister, Diane, becoming a black belt, and even taking on students of his own to help further his own passion for the sport.
Troy had a long and storied career. He worked as a professional Carpenter, he was hugely successful, and widely recognized as a master of his trade. His mind for art translated very well in his career, especially in trim and finish work. Early in his career as a carpenter, he worked for Matrix Exhibits, building custom Exhibits for trade shows. He was able to travel the world and see many places while working for Matrix. Matrix Exhibits was owned by Louis Tapia, the uncle of his soon to be wife, Esther Renata Sosa, whom he had two sons with. He later worked as a foreman of carpentry at Morrissey Manufacturing LLC until he eventually retired. He also worked for a brief time as a Tow truck operator at Donelson Wrecker service, helping his mother Jan, where she also worked.
Troy lived his later years happily with Deborah Whitaker, who passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2024. Troy will be remembered as a good man who cared deeply for his family, who had a great heart, and always stood strong for what he believed in and for what he cared for.
He is survived by his two sons, Leorio Austin Vale, and Cameron Mcfarlin Gilliland, his nephew Stephen Troy Chu along with his wife Soojin Kim and their son Ellis (Chan Woo) Chu, his niece Gloria Anne Chu and her husband Nathan White along with their sons Xander and Hugo White, his neice Paulina Simone Quisol along with her husband Daniel Jacob Quisol and their daughter Ava Quisol. He is also survived by his stepmother, Ethel Gilliland and sister Elizabeth Gilliland, and his sister, Gloria Diane Violet Evers, and his brother Steve Stone, as we all as his cousin Bubba and uncle Ben Gilliland.
Funeral Services celebrating the life of Troy Mcfarlin Gilliland will be held Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at Spring hill Funeral Home in Madison Tennessee. A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday the 14th at the Spring Hill Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until dismissal at 12:00 PM, proceeding to a Mausoleum service at 12, and burial service at 1:00 PM. Honorary Pallbearers will his two sons, and his nieces and nephews.
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