Kenneth "Tree" Wade Gilliland Sr.

Memorial services for Kenneth Wade Gilliland, Sr., lovingly known as "Tree," will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 406 Shiloh Mantachie Road, Mantachie, Mississippi, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with Bro. Robert Humphres and Pastor Jake Steele officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service at the church. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Kenny, age 64, of Meridian, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his home.

He was born on July 14, 1961, in Fulton, Mississippi, at the old Fulton Clinic. He attended Fulton Grammar School and Fulton Junior High, where he played all sports. In 1977, he moved to Meridian and attended Northwest Junior High and later Meridian High School, where he played both basketball and football. He also played basketball for Winston Academy in Louisville, Mississippi, helping lead the team to a state championship.

Standing at 6'10", Kenny was truly larger than life-both in stature and in personality. He was an exceptional basketball player who earned scholarships to East Central Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi, and Phillips Junior College on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He later played professional basketball in Canada with the CBA.

Kenny loved the Lord, his large family, and sports. His presence filled every room, and his warm personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Lesli Love Rodrigues (Pete), of Pueblo, Colorado; Ravynne Wilson of Knoxville, Tennessee; Laikyn Wilson of Meridian, Mississippi; and Kenneth Wade Gilliland, Jr. (Anna) of Vicksburg, Mississippi; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret Gilliland of Mantachie, Mississippi; siblings, Debra Harrison (Stennis) of Fulton, Mississippi; Dr. Nick Gilliland (Hollie) of Layton, Utah; Sharon Hurst of Mantachie, Mississippi; and Dr. Robert Gilliland (Sara) of Lady Lake, Florida.

He also leaves behind six nieces, five nephews, seven great-nieces, seven great-nephews, three great-great-nieces, and fifteen great-great-nephews; special friend Marynell Morgan of Meridian, Mississippi; and cousin Kim Steele of Fulton, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Gene Gilliland, and his daughter, Stevie Lorean Scurria.

Kenny was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.