- Date Of Birth: April 1, 1939
- Date Of Death: May 29, 2017
- State: Georgia
Ronald Dwayne Gillihan was born on a farm in Indiana on April 1, 1939, a fact that would become a source of smiles and laughter through the years. He was the second of three sons born to the late Elmer Richard and Helen Irene Robertson Gillihan. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his brothers Don and Morris Gillihan, his beloved wife, Pamela St. John Gillihan and the mother of his children, Jean Marie Lohnes. A very tender loss for Ron was the tragic death of his son Rorie D Gillihan in 1990.
This story of unspeakable tragedy would have a unique twist to it, and in time, would become a story of forgiveness and other opportunities to help others deal with such losses through the Kairos prison ministry that became such an important part of Ron’s life. As the mystic 13th century poet said, “Goodbyes are only for those who see with their eye; because for those who see with heart and soul, there is no separation.” Ron’s servant spirit would lead him into an 11 year stint in The United States Air Force.
Ron is survived by Jennie Pursley Stone-Gillihan, the light of his life; daughters Joy and Rick Wood and Colette Poore and Victor Saathoff of Jacksonville, FL; Kellee and Andy Crowe of St. Louis, MO, Rebecca Stone and Megan Stone of Newnan. His grandchildren are Rachel Poore, Emily Owens, Brycen Buchanan, Cade Buchanan, Seth Rainey, Hannah Crowe, Haylee Crowe, Spencer Buchanan, Mason Buchanan, Tyler Crowe, Caroline Howard, Gunner Deaton and Ella Grace Buchanan…and by his stunning lilies on “Mt. Gillihan”.
