Francis “Aaron” Gilleland

Francis “Aaron” Gilleland, 96 of Gainesville, Ga passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 at his residence. 

A lifelong resident of Gainesville, Aaron was born July 31, 1924 to Elberry and Sallie Pierce Gilleland.  He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and retired from North Ga Electric. 

He was drafted in the Army in November 1943, serving during WWII as an ammunition bearer.  PFC Aaron was assigned to Company M, 2nd Infantry, 5th Division while operating in the European Theater.  He was a member of a 30 caliber heavy machine gun squad, with many duties: carrying ammunition from company supply to gun position in all types of terrain; inspecting ammunition for correct belting and ensuring that the belts were in good condition.  He was awarded the American Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars.  Aaron was honorably discharged in February 1946 at Ft McPherson, GA. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Noah Gilleland and Everett Gilleland; sisters, Annie Jane Allison, Marie Gilleland, and Idell Gilleland. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Cassie Smallwood Gilleland; son, Stanley and Hazel Gilleland; daughters, Shirley and Lamar Staton and Sheena and Phil Harkins; grandkids, Todd Staton, Derek Staton, Bryan Gilleland, Elysha Hunter, Korey Harkins, and Kolin Harkins; 6 great grandkids; sisters, Betty Holman, Altheda Sellers, and Bobbie Butler.  Several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home.  Rev. Les Fuller will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic social distancing will need to be observed for everyone’s health and safety and mask are recommended.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.