Dr. James L. Gilleland, 78, of Waco, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2004 at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with the Reverend W. D. "Doug" Richardson officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Dr. Gilleland was born on November 9, 1925 to James and Jessie King Gilleland in Waco. Dr. Gilleland was a life long resident of Waco. He attended and graduated from Waco High School in 1942. He attended Baylor University where he was the first person to receive a PhD in Biochemistry. He was also a member of the Heritage Club at Baylor University. Dr. Gilleland studied and worked at the Baylor Hospitals in Dallas and Houston. He also was an instructor in the nursing program at McLennan Community College and the Chemistry Department at Baylor University. Doc Gilleland was an accompolished musician who played the Steel Guitar with such bands as Hank Thompson, Bob Wills, Johnny Gimble and many other well known country and western stars. Dr. Gilleland was preceded in death by his parents James and Jessie King Gilleland and brother Tommy Gilleland. Survivors include his wife Selva Gilleland of Waco; daughters Patty Ballard and her husband Andy of Florida and Linda Cantrell and her husband Henry of Austin; grandchildren Andy Ballard, Jr. and his wife Laura of Florida, Nick Ballard of Florida, Lee and John Cantrell both of Austin; beloved sisters-in-laws Linda Grote and her husband Lamar of Perry and Angie Echterling and her husband Fred of Robinson; beloved pets Sammie and Smokey. Lead pallbearer will be long time friend Tommy Pechacek. Casketbearers will be his nephews Richard Brucker, Jeff Summers, Mark Gibson, Keith Gilleland, Buzz Gilleland, Jimmy Honea and grandsons Lee and John Cantrell. Honarary pallbearers will be Dr. Rod Richie, Dr. Richard Fadal and Dr. Ken Wittstruck. Most honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ross Ship his pride and joy golden boy and Dr. William Roddy a long time mentor and associate. Selva would like to say a heart felt appreciation to the nurses and staff of Hillcrest 4A for their kindness, loving comfort and care during Dr. G's final days. Arrangements are under the direction of Connally/Compton Funeral Directors.