Hervey Joe Gilliland

Longtime Roswell, NM resident, Hervey Joe Gilliland, went to be with his savior while at home surrounded by family on January 28, 2025.

Hervey was born in Guymon, OK on June 25, 1929, to Con and Vella Mae Gilliland. He attended the public schools of Guymon, graduating from Guymon High School in 1947. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Panhandle State University. Following his education, Hervey served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves during the Korean War. Following his military service, Hervey returned to Guymon and began his career with Southwestern Public Company. While back in Guymon, he also met the love of his life, Reva Jean Reed, who became his wife on July 7, 1957. Reva always was and remained the love of his life as they celebrated 50 years of marriage together prior to her passing.

Hervey was preceded in death by his wife, Reva, his parents, Con and Vella Mae Gilliland, his brothers Johnny Gilliland and Bill Gilliland, and his father and mother-in-law, Richard & Blanche Reed. He is survived by a sister, Lauretta Garrison of Guymon, OK, son Mike (Catherine) Gilliland of Lubbock, TX, daughter Brenda (Bill) Smith of Wichita Falls, TX, son Richard (Melissa) Gilliland of Roswell, NM. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jana (Casey) Jensen, Caitlan (Caroline) Gilliland, Michael Gilliland, Rebecca (Colton) Loudermilk, A.J. (Sarah) Smith, Allen (Mariah) Gilliland, Lisa (Brady) Webb, Krista (Blake) Hawkins; great-grandchildren Tyler, Cason, and Jack Jensen, Asher, Kleat, and Andi Webb, Ruah Smith, Ada Loudermilk, and Greta Gilliland, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Hervey had a long and fulfilling career for over 40 years with Southwestern Public Service Company (now Xcel Energy), retiring in Roswell, NM in 1994. He was active in the Methodist Church throughout his life and in multiple communities serving in various leadership roles. He had a servant’s heart and was deeply invested in several community and service organizations including, Chambers of Commerce, United Way, Rotary Clubs, YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, Youth League sports, Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, and was a proud member of the Roswell Redcoats for over 36 years.

Hervey had a love of music and dance all his life, earning the nickname “Dancing Joe” during his younger years. His greatest earthly joy was his family. Family and grandchildren were always at the center of Hervey and Reva’s lives. They loved to travel to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, beaches, and countryside. Often, these travels and trips included time spent with family and grandchildren making memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Hervey treasured the friendships he was blessed with during his career, throughout his community, within his church family, and within his tight-knit neighborhood. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all of Dad’s caregivers including Dad’s “Angels” at Visiting Angels, Carmen Cordova, Karla Chaves with the Joy Center and Meals on Wheels program, Gary and Candy Smith, as well as the healthcare workers with Enhabit Hospice for all their loving kindness making Dad’s final days comfortable and peaceful. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM at LaGrone Funeral Chapel in Roswell, NM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Roswell, NM with Rev. Laird Cross officiating. The graveside service will immediately follow at South Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Hervey’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Assurance Home of Roswell, the Cowboy Bell Scholarship fund at First United Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice.