Eugene “Gene” Gilleland, 88, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday March 6, 2014 following a short illness. Born September 12, 1925 to the late Boyd and Sally Gilleland, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. In 1952 Gene built Gilleland’s Gulf Service Station in downtown Dawsonville and operated it until his retirement. He served on the local DFACS board for over 20 years, was U. S. Army veteran of WW II, and was a former member of Etowah Lodge #222 F & AM. Mr. Gilleland was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville and was also preceded in death by a son, Dennis Gilleland; sisters, Susie Bannister, Nell Burt; and brothers, Carlton Gilleland and G. L. “Pete” Gilleland. Surviving are his children, Ronald and Joan Gilleland, Dawsonville, Nicky and Darlene Gilleland, Dawsonville, Betsy and Troy Ledbetter, Jasper, Stacy and Rita Gilleland, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Andria Gilleland, Cindy and Jacky Campbell, Trent Gilleland, Nichole and Jared Green, Amanda Gilleland, Travis Ledbetter, Nathan and Jessica Ledbetter, Cory and Cherish Gilleland, Kevin Gilleland, Alan and Lauren Gilleland, Zach Martin, Austin Martin; nine great grandchildren; lifelong friend, Harold Reece; a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday March 8, 2014 at 2 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Cory Gilleland and Rev. Hugh Fields will officiate. Interment will follow in the Dawsonville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.