John Bruce Gilligan

On December 31, 2014 John Bruce Gilligan, 82, beloved husband, father, and grandfather went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Taylor. The Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2015 at Liberty Cemetery, near Athens, TX. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m., Saturday January 3, 2015 at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.

John was born June 15, 1932 to Neil and Daisy Gilligan in San Antonio. At age 2, the family moved to Uvalde, Texas, where he graduated from the public schools and Southwest Texas Junior College. Following Junior College John proudly served his country as a Marine in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1954. After completing his tour of duty, he graduated from University of Corpus Christi and began a successful teaching and coaching career in 1957 in Falls City. John also taught, in Schertz, Gatesville, Hubbard, and Taylor, TX. He enjoyed a 36 year career in education and the “Friday Night Lights” of coaching. Upon his retirement from public schools he taught Drivers Education in Pflugerville.

John was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a man devoted to his Christian faith and he led an exemplary life following the principles of that faith. John and his wife enjoyed traveling, having visited all 50 states and 20 foreign countries. He especially enjoyed attending his annual H-3-1 Marine Corps reunion. John looked forward to his morning coffee with his buddies at McDonalds. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his willingness to help others and his love for his family, especially his 2 grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years Dorothy Reynolds Gilligan of Taylor, daughter Gina Gilligan Thomas and husband Dr. Brad Thomas, grandchildren Philip and Catherine Thomas all of Galveston. Sisters in law, Johnnie Williams of Athens, Lillie Gilligan of Austin and, six nieces and three nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Neil Gilligan and sister Dorothy Dombrowski.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a church or charity of your choice.