Clarence M. Gilliand, also known as Melvin, age 85, of Moss Point, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Sparrow Hills Personal Care in Lucedale, Mississippi.

Clarence was born on December 16, 1939, in Elmore County, Alabama. He was the son of John and Alma Bernice Gilliand. He married the love of his life on October 11, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama. Raised in the Baptist faith, Clarence worked as a Paint Foreman at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He enjoyed painting vehicles and doing woodworking, creating many cherished pieces for his family. Clarence loved working in his yard, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his dog, Bama. Most importantly, he treasured the time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by two children: Gina Gilliand Smoak and Jeffery Thomas Gilliand (wife Melesia); eight grandchildren: Stephen Smoak (wife Tara), Austin James Smoak, Breanna Nicole Smoak, Christen Hope Gilliand, Chloe Megan Gilliand, Brandon Conerly (wife Abigail), Hunter Thomas Pettigrew, and Brittany Lauren Padgett; and six great-grandchildren: Natalee Renee Smoak, Abel Daley, McKenna Daley, Emory Saige Conerly, Kaylyn Shyann Whited, and Brodee Padgett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Carole Gilliand; one son, Michael James Gilliand; his parents, John Clarence and Alma Bernice Gilliand; and two brothers, Cecil Harvey Gilliand and Billy Wayne Gilliand.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM at the funeral home. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holder-Wells & Coastal Funeral Homes and Cremations. Pallbearers will include Jeff Gilliand, Pat Hyatt, Brandon Conerly, Hunter Pettigrew, Stephen Smoak, and Austin Smoak. Interment will follow at 12 PM in Serene Memorial Gardens on Highway 613 in Moss Point, Mississippi.

Holder-Wells Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gilliand family during this difficult time and invites everyone to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.