Durwood Michael Gilleland

In loving memory of Durwood Michael Gilleland -

On the evening of April 21, 2023, at 7:20 p.m., Michael, age 49, passed away due to a heart attack with his mother and one of his sisters by his side.

Michael was born on June 23, 1973, in Gulfport, MS.  He was the second child and the first and only son of James and Olivia Gilleland.

Michael had a love of cooking and music.  He started very young cooking for different restaurants through out the years and became one of the best chef cooks on the coast.  He was even in the Chefs of the Coast events.  Mikel worked for The Hard Rock in Biloxi, prepping Hard Rock Café for their grand opening on August 29, 2005, the day hurricane Katrina Hit.  Michael continued working there until his last day, April 21, 2023.

Music was also a big part of Michael’s life.  Throughout the years he played in many recognizable bands on the coast.  He played guitar in multiple bands and was playing shows across the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.  He gained local recognition with Stereocrisis and then branched off to form Seven Left.  Seven Left would go on to become the Gulf Coast’s only Budweiser True Music Artist.  He also lent his talent on bass guitar for Joshua Sun.  One of his last bands, Launch the Visitors, was an instrumental project formed with members of other well-known local bands at the time and formed what would be known as a supergroup of local musicians.  He played in so many shows along the coast including CPR Fest 11, in 2007.  Michael had a big impact on the coast and was loved by so many people.

Michael is survived by his son, Landon Reese Gilleland ; his mother, Olivia Gilleland; his two sisters, Nina Gilleland and Autumn Gilleland; his two nieces, Krystal Menefee and Kayla Simpson; his two nephews, Chris Menefee and Cody Gilleland; and lots of cousins including Jaida Cruz.  

We would like to say a special thank you to the McKenzie and Demers family for all your love and support.

Michael was the best son ever, the best brother, and the best father anyone could ever ask for.  He will be missed and loved by so many loved ones.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd. Biloxi, MS.

A private graveside ceremony will follow on Thursday, May 18th at Southern Memorial Park.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is serving the family.