Michael Gilliland, Jr. was called home peacefully with his praying hands on December 7, 2022. He is preceded in death by his dad Michael Gilliland and grandparents Claudio Jo Gilliland, Julio Hernandez, and Lillian Rose and Joe Horak. Michael is survived by his mother Betty Jean Horak Doyle, his siblings Michelle Turner Buchanan and Byron Clay Doyle, his sister-in-law Dora Doyle and his nephew Colton Davis Buchanan. He is also survived by his uncles Daniel Horak, Mark Hernandez, and Mark Horak as well as numerous other relatives and friends from near and far.

Michael was born in Houston, Texas on July 17, 1968. He grew up in Sagemont and graduated from J. Frank Dobie High School where he played football and was a loyal team member on the 1985 Dobie Longhorns 23-5A Regional Finalist team. He also played baseball at Sagemont Little League with Coach Tommy Bischoff. Michael loved life to the fullest and spent most of his time in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and just enjoying time with his family and friends.

Michael was known as Mike, Big Mike, Big Red just to name a few of his beloved nicknames. But most of all he was known for his heart of gold, his big laughter and the most genuine friendships his family and friends will treasure for a lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texas Wildlife Association, 6644 FM1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132 or Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, a rosary followed by a brief visitation, will begin at 5:00pm, and the service celebrating Michael's life will follow at 6:00pm, all held at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston 77089. Rite of Committal will privately be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.