Rodney Roy Gilliland

Rodney Roy Gilliland, age 74, of Smithfield, Nebraska, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. He fought a long battle with heart disease. He was born on January 27th, 1948 in Curtis, Nebraska to Edward Howard and Ardis (Nutt) Gilliland. Rod attended high school at USNA in Curtis. He graduated college at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska. On August 8th, 1968, he was united in marriage to Darlene (Dempcy) Gilliland. The family made their home in Kearney. He later resided in Smithfield, Nebraska until his death. Rod worked in sales after he graduated and continued to work as a sales representative with Maintenance Engineering until his death. He never knew a stranger. Rod had a passion for rodeos and always loved his horses. In later years, he enjoyed camping and boating with his kids and grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Darla Ruppert, and one nephew Shane Malm. He is survived by his wife Darlene, son Shon Gilliland, daughter Kodi and husband Damon Bucy, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; siblings Ronnie Gilliland, Connie (Andy) Bowman, Charlene (Lee) Malm. Viewing and visitation will be held from 4 pm till 6 pm on Sunday, June 19th, 2022 at the Elwood Funeral Home in Elwood, Nebraska. Funeral services will be on Monday, June 20th, 2022 at 11 AM at the Elwood United Methodist Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Pastor Greg Boller, officiating. Burial will be at the Robb Cemetery near Lexington, Nebraska. Memorial may be left in his name and designated at a later date. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.