Frank W. Gilliland, 77, of Oswego, died peacefully at home surrounded by family Sunday, September 24, 2023. Born January 16, 1946, in Columbus, Frank was the son of Elijah “Grove” Gilliland and Aileen (Farmer) Gilliland. During Frank’s earlier years, he would spend much time with his Aunt and Uncle, Frank and Juanita Smirl, whose lessons and wisdom would go on with Frank throughout his life.
Frank was a member of many organizations, including the American Radio Relay League, Mirza Shriners, the Free Masons, just to name a few. He was a man of many hobbies and passions. He was an avid ham radio enthusiast, a fisherman, loved shooting and working with guns, enjoyed participating in and watching tractor pulls, car races, and flying model airplanes. Frank was also dedicated citizen and very patriotic.
Many knew Frank as “Uncle Frank”, a term given to him by the many students of BCU, or Brush Creek University as it was known. Frank shared his wisdom and advice with the many people who came to know him. Whether it was a simple question about how to fix something on their car, how to sight in a rifle, or more serious life advice, Frank could always be found at his shop with an earnest answer and a listening ear. This is why the title of Brush Creek University was given to his shop where one could learn life lessons from the smallest to the largest.
Frank is survived by his daughters, Frankie Box (Roger) of Columbus and Dawn Gilliland of Oswego; his sister Beverly Johnson of Wray, Colo.; grandchildren, Ashley Argabright (Josh), Mark Hopkins II, Shawna Gilliland-Root, Tess Youngblood (Skyler), Benjamin Root, Brandy Hopkins and Wyatt Diediker; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie (Boyles) Gilliland; his parents, Elijah “Grove” Gilliland and Aileen (Farmer) Gilliland; and his Aunt and Uncle, Juanita and Frank Smirl.
Frank is to be cremated with private family services planned for a later date. Cremation arrangements are made by the Bath-Naylor Funeral home and Crematory of Columbus. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor. com.