Lance Derick Gilliland, age 57, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away on March 16, 2023. He is survived by his father, Bobby Gilliland of Delhi, OK; sister, Timi Garcia and husband Luis of Burns Flat, OK; sister, Sheri Wadsworth and husband Mike of Pullman, WA; and sister, Lori Mendoza and husband Joey of Sayre, OK; along with a host of many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Preceding him in death was his mother, Coreena Lee (Ivester) Gilliland, and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Lance grew up in Sayre, Oklahoma, where he attended Sayre Schools throughout his elementary, junior high and high school years. He enjoyed all things cowboy when younger and even learned to twirl a rope for an elementary school music program.  He eventually discovered his passion for country music and learned to play the guitar.   After graduating high school, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to try his luck at becoming famous in the country music world.  Lance had a natural talent and an "ear" for music as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddle player. Lance recorded several demo songs and hoped to become the next John Anderson while trying to make it big in the country music capital.  He eventually gave up the Nashville dream and returned to Oklahoma to be closer to family and friends.

Lance also excelled at, and enjoyed sharing, his shop and carpentry skills.   His first major project was a treehouse in his childhood backyard, and then he refined those skills in high school shop class and also by working alongside various family members who were in the construction business.  When not writing music, he supported himself by helping remodel homes and building furniture.

Alongside his many talents he also had a commitment to long-lasting friendships.  He was still very close to several friends he had made in his early childhood years, including a very special high school friend, Nancy who shared a touching message with Lance and his family at his bedside the night he passed.  

A Memorial for Lance will be held on Friday, April 7th at UrbanHouse at 207 W Main in Sayre, Oklahoma from 12pm - 2pm.  Please join the family for lunch and in sharing memories of Lance during this time.  Food will be served at noon with the Celebration of Life to begin at 1pm.

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