of Little Rock, AR
November 16, 1935 - April 9, 2016
After 54 years of compassionate and immeasurable care as a dentist, Dr. George Edward Gillian saw his final patient on Friday, April 8th. He passed away at home on the following morning of April 9th, 2016.
Dr. Gillian was born in the Ozarks near Clarksville, Arkansas on November 16th, 1935 to Hiram and Maudie Gillian. He moved to Conway in his childhood; a town that would become the cornerstone of his transition from an adventurous youth to an ambitious adult. It also was the foundation to his legendary storytelling, which transfixed, humored, and bewildered his audiences throughout his lifetime. His partner in adventure was his late older brother Weldon, who accompanied him through Tom Saywer-esque escapades. One of his most notorious capers was of travelling to Mexico on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the age of 15.
He graduated from Conway High School and received a bachelor of arts degree from Hendrix College. He played trumpet in both high school and college. In 1961 he obtained his dental surgery degree from the University of Tennessee, where he was awarded Dean's List academic honors. While in dental school, Dr. Gillian was a member of the professional fraternity Xi Psi Phi. He was selected to be a member of the Richard Doggett & Marguerite Taylor Dean Odonatological Honorary Society and served as a historian. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the Navy Dental Corps. He was first stationed in Great Lakes, Michigan and completed his service with the First Marine Brigade in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
While in dental school in Memphis, Dr. Gillian met, fell in love with, and married Vivian Marie Finley, his wife of 53 years. After Hawaii, the couple moved to Little Rock where he began his dental practice. His quiet but strong Christian faith led him to become active in leadership roles in church, beginning as UMY director at Markham Methodist Church and later with the Forum Sunday School at St. James United Methodist Church. In 1973, Dr. Gillian was elected vice president of the Pulaski County Dental Society. He also served multiple terms on the school board at Pulaski Academy.
Outside of his work and volunteer services, Dr. Gillian loved to dance. He was always the first one up and the last to leave the dance floor. He was also known for his snappy dress, a trait he honed while working at a men's clothing and tailor shop in college. He lived for being in nature. After spending most of his childhood running through uncharted woods, caves and streams with friends and family, he took every chance to relive those times as an adult. From Petit Jean and Little Piney, to Mt. Nebo, Buffalo River and Lake Ouachita, he would pass along his endless knowledge of flora and fauna to his three sons with the same boundless wonderment and excitement he had as a boy.
On a personal level, Dr. Gillian led by quiet example, upholding time-tested reverence for respect, dignity, and kindness to his family, friends, and strangers alike.
Dr. Gillian was preceded by his parents Hiram and Maudie, and brother Weldon. His is survived by his wife Vivian Marie Gillian, three sons, Dr. George Kevin Gillian (Dr. Monjari) and grandchildren Blake and Serena of Alexandria Virginia, Dr. Kris Finley (Reema) Gillian and grandchildren Rowan and Ava of Atlanta Georgia, Mr. Kipp Edward (Tani) Gillian and grandchildren Ian and Tara of Long Beach, California, nephew Mr. Jay (Laura) Gillian of Dallas, Texas and their children Giana and Maggie.
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 18, at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock. Burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander on the morning of Monday, April 18.
Memorials in Dr. Gillian's memory may be made to St. James United Methodist Church or to one's desired charitable group.
Sign Guestbook
25 Condolence(s)
Dale and Shirley Jones
Friday, April 22, 2016
Our hearts and prayers go out to Dr. Gillian's family and staff. He was our dentist for many years and we always found him to be gentle, compassionate, and efficient. We will certainly miss his smile and twinkling eyes.
Jerry Robbins
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
George and I were good friends in both Conway High School and at Hendrix College. And, of course, he was my dentist during the years I lived in Little Rock. I was rather close to his family as we were growing up, as his parents were heavily involved in youth work in the community, both at church and otherwise. Now George is gone--the last surviving member of a family that was significant to me in Conway in the 1950's. God bless them all!
Brandon and Heather Mazander
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Brandon and I were deeply saddened when we found out about Dr. Gillian's passing. I always enjoyed my semi-annual trips to see Donna and Dr. Gillian. Too bad cleaning my teeth got in the way of our conversations! Dr. Gillian would tell me stories about his brother, him, and my grandfather "butterball" and their Tom Sawyer-esque adventures. Dr. Gillian was kind-hearted and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed!
Paul & Kaye Holt
Monday, April 18, 2016
I am sad to hear of Dr. Gillian's passing. I first saw Dr. Gillian in 1979 after a referral from my boss, Estelle Moses. She told me he was the best. I got married and my wife and two daughters also became his patients. He was a really fine gentleman with a quick whit and wonderful smile. He loved his sons and spoke proudly of them when I was in his chair. I feel as if my relationship with Dr. Gillian was much more than just my dentist. He was a wonderful friend and I will miss him. My relationships with Shirley and Donna are just as strong. Always the very best experience at their office. I actually looked forward to going to the dentist. We will miss you Dr. Gillian. Peace.
Bruce & Ella Garrett
Monday, April 18, 2016
We were so very sorry to hear about Dr. Gillian. We wish to express out deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his friends. We will miss his smiling presence. He will also be missed by all his family not only at home but by his office family(Donna & Shirley) and all his patients. Peace be with you. May your memories be a source of comfort. Psalm 23:1-6
Heather Rebecca Hayden
Monday, April 18, 2016
Dr. Gillian has been & will always be my favorite, always smiling & infinitely happy, dentist. Such wonderful memories by him and his loving family. Life wouldn't have been the same without him, his loving wife Vivian, and those sweet and kind sons who have now sweet wonderful families of their own. It brings great joy to me that I was blessed to know each and every one of you. I will always cherish the memories of St. James & PA with all your sons, many hugs from your sweet wife and growing up hearing such wonderful tales of you and Daddy as I lie in your dental chair. You are missed dear Doctor you are missed!!!
Ernest R Hooten
Sunday, April 17, 2016
I was a patient of Dr. Gillian over the last year, so I missed his youth. However, I did get to know him in time to enjoy his story-telling. He could make you see what he was telling to in voice.
Always spoke well of everyone he knew, evidently if he felt he could not say something nice about someone, he just stayed silent. He will be sorely missed by clients and many friends.
E.R. Hooten
Jeri Bob and Elvis King
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Our lives are richer having been long-time patients of George Gillian. Many years ago, forgetting that the office was closed on Wednesdays, I called the number late on a Wednesday afternoon concerning a problem with my son's tooth that required immediate attention. Dr. Gillian was there, answered the phone, and told me to bring him on over and took care of him. I will never forget that. It was very apparent that he loved his profession and his patients. Dr. Gillian, Shirley and Donna truly made a trip to the dentist a pleasure!
Lisa Gardner Ring
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Last month, I had my bi-annual check-up with the same dentist that I have seen since I was a young child. He and his family lived down the street from us. His oldest (of 3) stair-stepped boys and I graduated from Pulaski Academy together in 1984. He always asked about my parents, and would tell me about the last time he had seen them. He always told me what Kevin, Kris and Kipp were doing. He always asked about my brother. He always called me "sweetheart," and he always told me I had great teeth and a beautiful smile. He always said he would keep working as long as his hands would let him. He always treated us like family, and he always cared... Rest in peace, Dr. George Gillian, knowing you were a good and faithful servant and a fine "family" dentist. 💖
Wayne and Karen Gray
Saturday, April 16, 2016
We will miss Dr. Gillian very much. He was always so joyful and had a story to tell. He was one of a kind. I know Vivian and the boys will miss him very much. I also know Shirley and Donna will miss him. He was one of a kind.
Wanda Stone McCorkle
Saturday, April 16, 2016
A dear friend of years ago in Mt. Vernon. So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dian York
Friday, April 15, 2016
Dr. Gillian has been our dentist for many years and he will be great ely missed by the York family. We send our sincere sympathy to his family and office staff.
Dr. and Mrs. Bill Hayden
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Our condolences to all the Gillian Family, Shirley and Donna. We are thinking of all the wonderful years we have shared with you all. Vivian, we will miss our short lunches and long talks. It has been a good journey for the Haydens and Gillians.
Love, Joyce and Bill
Norman & Shirley Clifton
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Dr Gillian was definitely one of a kind, and a big hearted friend to his patients,
I'm sure everyone he saw thought they were his favorite. My husband n I used him for years, then brought our children then grandchildren there! They think going to see the dentist is a fun time and truly had so much fun when they knew they were going!!
He talked frequently of his fun time with his boys and the trips. I enjoyed looking at his pics of their last trip together and we also shared laughs about the times we took our convertibles out for a spin, he loved that car!!
His absence will leave a huge hole in the community and with his patients and our prayers go out to his fine family and co workers !
May God Bless and give you comfort that only He can now and in the times ahead.
Norman & Shirley Clifton
Phil McCraw
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Dr. Gillian will be sadly missed by our family. He was a wonderful dentist to our family for many years. Our prayers go out to his family.
Philip, Michele, and Sammie McCraw
Alice Bonner and family
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Many years ago in the middle of the night, Dr. Gillian answered a call requesting his help and it became a lifelong dentist/patient relationship for the next fifty or so years. Our condolences to his dear family. He will be missed by so many who relied on his dentistry skill.
Jackie Parker
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dr. Gillian, you took care of me and my family for so many years. I want your family to know how much you will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Steve and Jeanne Parker
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dr. Gillian will be missed by so many people, both professionally and personally. Dr. Gillian was my (Steve's) dentist since I was a small child. He has taken good care of me for almost 50 years. He, also, became my wife's dentist. Great job Dr. Gillian. You will be missed. RIP
Margie Payne and Family
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
We are extremely saddened by the passing of Dr. Gillian. He has been our family dentist for more than 50 years.
We loved him and will miss him very much. We extend
our prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Bob Tyler
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Mrs. Gilliam and family, George and i were friends during our high school days here in Conway. We worked together at Quality Grocery , took out our dates in the wood paneled station wagon that he and Weldon shared. He was a sharp dresser and good dancer in the early 50's. I was so sorry to read of his death in the paper today. You all will be in our prayers.. I thank George for the teenage memories .
Audrey Burtrum-Stanley
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dear Family & Friends of Dr. Gillian,
How blessed we have all been to have had this fine man in our lives. He made a 'dreaded visit to the Dentist' not nearly as nerve-wrack'n as it could have been; Dr. Gillian was an excellent Dentist - gentle, concerned and had everyone smile'n!
I send you my sincerest condolences upon learning of the end of his life. May the constant love of others-who-care soften your sadness; May your cherished memories bring you comfort. God Bless you all...
Jennifer Word
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dr. Gillian was my first Doctor. I went to work for him when I was unsure about my career choice. He took me under his wing and encouraged me to apply to nursing school again...He also helped get me in Nursing School. His love and support through the years has been amazing. We danced at my wedding , he met my son in the hospital and I looked forward to our twice a year check up visits....My thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Vivian , his boys and his longtime co workers Mrs. Shirley and Donna.
Nicholas (Nick) Prince
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dr. Gillian served as our family's dentist for years, - and for all 40 years of my life. He and Donna and Shirley felt like family to us. With every dental visit, Dr. Gillian was always very welcoming, with a big smile and friendly handshake. When I would ask what he had been up to lately, he would often talk about traveling with his wife Vivian to see his children and grandchildren, and how much they all enjoyed spending time together. Many times, he would also share about how he had been working a lot outside on various projects around his home. I could tell that Dr. Gillian truly loved nature and liked spending time outside in the yard and garden as much as he could.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Gillian's family, friends, patients and colleagues. He will be missed tremendously.
Sincerely,
Nicholas (Nick) A. Prince, Patricia (Pat) A. Prince and Alice Bonner
Bruce Thomasson
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Dr. Gillian was my dentist for 48+ years. He, Shirley and Donna felt like family and I always looked forward to seeing, visiting and catching up with them. I will always have fond admiration of Dr. Gillian.
Todd Parsley
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
I always enjoyed seeing Dr. Gillian at each office visit. I have many wonderful memories of conversations we had, during visits and away from the office. You could count on him to provide a laugh every time! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during their time of loss. Heaven received a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.