Lawrence Raymond Gilliland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lawrence Raymond Gilliland, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Lawrence departed this world on April 10, 2026, at the age of 83, in the comforting embrace of his family at his home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those he held dear. Born on May 16, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, Lawrence was the cherished son of the late Newton Franklin and Grace Irene (Willa) Gilliland. Raised in a large family, he was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Annabelle Ruebel (Weldon), Horace Franklin Gilliland (Margaret), Dale August Gilliland (Edna), Robert Lee Gilliland (Wilma), Naomi Grace Wille (Norman), Newton Harrison Gilliland (Jean), and Frances Irene Lineberry (C.E.). Among his surviving family members is his sister, Wilma Kay Story (Jon), who resides in Cape Girardeau. On January 23, 1965, Lawrence married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Wiseman, in a ceremony held in Cape Girardeau. Together, they built a life rich with love and laughter on a small farm, raising three children: Kelly Darleen Strain (Daniel), Dale Lee Gilliland (Lesa), and bonus daughter Debra Kay Dodd of Castle Rock, Colorado. Lawrence’s legacy lives on through his seven grandchildren: Rachael Darleen Buck (Jordan), Alissa Dianne Young (Leon), Shea Irene Propst (Cameron), Brady Lee Gilliland, Christine Rene Gilliland, Christopher Blake Gilliland, and Beau Michael Gilliland, as well as his six great-grandchildren: Alivia Darleen Liley, Evelyn Chelsee Buck, Levi James Young, Jensen Raymond Buck, Riley Ray Young, and Nash Avery Propst. A 1961 graduate of Cape Central High School, Lawrence honed his skills as a brick mason, a craft in which he excelled and took great pride. His career later led him to work as an excavator for the Little River Drainage District. A dedicated member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Lawrence was a respected figure in his trade, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and work ethic. Lawrence was a devoted member of the Jackson Church of Christ, where he and Sandra guided their children's faith. His life was a testament to his strong sense of loyalty and protection for his family and friends. He was often described as loving, selfless, hardworking, honorable, and charismatic. His mischievous humor and toughness endeared him to many, particularly his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pawpaw, while his extended family and friends knew him as Sonny or Newt. Beyond his professional life, Lawrence had a profound love for animals, especially dogs and horses. His pets, including a mule from his childhood and beloved dogs Chance and Jersey, held a special place in his heart. On his farm, he raised hogs, cows, chickens, and rabbits, and his gardens flourished under his care, thanks to his remarkable green thumb. A celebration of Lawrence’s life will be held on April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, located at 1001 North Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The service will be officiated by minister Brian Mitchell. Pallbearers will be: grandsons Brady Gilliland, Blake Gilliland and Beau Gilliland; nephews Mark Lineberry and Rodney Weber; and family friend Bard Womack. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) in Lawrence’s memory, to honor his spirit of giving and compassion. The Gilliland family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Legacy Hospice for their exceptional care, which allowed Lawrence to spend his final days surrounded by the love of his family. In the words of Shakespeare, "His life was gentle, and the elements so mix'd in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man!'" Rest in peace, Lawrence. Your legacy of love and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those you touched.