Paul Bruce Gilliland, 93, passed away on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, entering into an eternity of holy peace and profound joy. Bruce was born on January 3rd, 1933 to Helen (Cochran) Gilliland and Lawrence Gilliland in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Bruce attended Knox High School before studying chemistry at Ball State University. He continued this love of science in his role as a chemist for General Motors. Bruce loved his work, sharing images he took using his electron microscope years after retirement. 

Outside of work, Bruce most of all loved his wife of 45 years, Sammy Ann Gilliland. Together they joined their families, traveled the world, and filled their life with laughter, faith, and so much love. As a follower of Jesus, Bruce was always involved in church, ministry, and helping others. He lived his life in faith, attending Westminster Presbyterian Church of Muncie, Indiana and Northside PCA in Melbourne, Florida. He further volunteered at countless organizations, soup kitchens, or simply finding those in need, always ready to lend a helping hand, a caring word, or a supportive ear. Bruce brought each of these qualities and so much more into his most cherished role of husband and father. He was simply a parent that never wanted to stop parenting, leading to his everlasting presence in each of his children and grandchildren's lives. Bruce was an incredible man, constantly leading us all by example and teaching countless lessons on how to have a life lived well.

 He is survived by his son Don Gilliland; daughter Cindy Hunt, daughter Judith Gilliland, step-daughter Kelly (Wayne) Dugal; step-son Mike (Lisa) Fanning; grandson Aaron (Mandi) Gilliland; grandson Grant Gilliland; granddaughter Abigail Hunt; grandson Phillip (Katie) Dugal; granddaughter Lauren (Adrian) Hall; grandson Andrew (Sarah) Dugal; grandson Taylor (Anne) Fanning; granddaughter Karis (Evan) Wilson, and granddaughter Allyssa Fanning. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife Sammy, step-son Greg Fanning, daughter in law Marilyn Gilliland, great granddaughter Ashtyn Gilliland, and his parents, brothers Larry and Bobby Gilliland, and sister Jan Reed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Muncie with calling hour at 1:00 pm and service beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 25th. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, 4515 Babcock Street, Palm Bay, Florida 32905.

Condolences and memories may be made online at  www.davisseawinds.com  . The Davis Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.