Graveside services will be 1 pm Thursday at Crestwood Cemetery for Mr. James Winfred Gilliland, age 96, of Rainbow City, who died Monday. Reverend Randy Gunter will officiate. Crestwood Funeral Home is in charge of services.

He was a World War II Veteran and a member of the Ninth Army 102nd Infantry Division (Ozark), 927th Field Artillery Battalion. He was a member of the 105 Howitzer team, awarded The American Service Medal, Europeon African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory medal.

Mr. Gilliland is preceded in death by wife Miriam Jones Gilliland, parents Grover and Naomi Gilliland and brothers Leslie, Lamar ,Paul, Perry, Merle Gilliland, sisters Sue and Mary Ellen.

He is survived by wife Sandra Gilliland, daughter, Gail(Bill) Minshew, stepdaughters Carla Upton, Karen(Lynn) Ash, stepsons David(Mandi) Smith, Robert(MaryAnna) Smith, grandchildren Jason(Delynn) Minshew, Jennifer(Bill) Wadell, Beth(Chris) Wysong, Hunter(Carly), Tyler and Miller Upton, Alex and James Ash, Lauren, Bryant and Lily Smith, Celeste and Rob Smith, great grandchildren Jaylyn Minshew, Hannah and Deavin  Menninger, Blair Upton, Jonathan and Eric Mosca.

Pallbearers will be grandsons.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church building Fund.

Special thanks to Southern Care New Beacon Hospice and the staff of McGuffey's.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 11 am until the time of service.