Roger Gilliland

Roger Gilliland, 85, passed away on May 14, 2026. He was born in Champaign, Illinois, to Thomas Raymond Gilliland and Yvonne Haines Gilliland.

He moved to California when he was 18 and attended Westmont College (Santa Barbara) graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. He did post graduate work at San Francisco State, and due to his education in psychology, he served two years in the Army at Fort Shafter, Hawaii (1966-68), counseling service men as they returned from overseas.

After his service, he continued his education at Long Beach State, where he met his wife, Loretta, whom he married in 1970. He worked as a clinical psychologist for the Orange County Probation Department before he and his wife moved to Hot Springs in 1977.

He then co-owned (with his brother, Ron) Buena Vista Resort. After selling to Southland Corporation, Roger and Loretta bought and operated the Travelier Inn, followed by the Best Western Hot Springs Inn. Upon completing the sale of the motels, Roger retired in 2006. Roger enjoyed his life running the trails and bicycling.

He leaves behind his wife, Loretta, of 56 years, his brother, Greg, of Farragut, Tennessee, sister, Dianne (Ted) of Salt Lake City, his sister-in-law, Judy (wife of late brother, Ron), and many wonderful nieces and nephews and so many good friends.

Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.

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