John Raymond "Ray" Gilliland, age 63, of Wellston, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  He was born October 14, 1959 in Oak Hill, Ohio, son of the late John Wesley Gilliland and Juanita Stiffler Gilliland.  Ray was a 1978 graduate of Wellston High School, where he enjoyed playing sports for the Golden Rockets.  Following 30 years of employment, Ray retired as a Corrections Officer from the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, Ohio.  He always loved to watch Gunsmoke on T.V. and continued over the years to be a fan of the Wellston Golden Rockets.  Ray is survived by his wife, Nikki Milliken Gilliland; sons, Tytus Gilliland (Jessica) and Hayden Milliken; grandchildren, Regan and Abram Gilliland; mother-in-law, Joyce Keating Tipton; along with several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lori Skiver Gilliland; and his sister, Sharon June Gilliland.  In keeping with Ray's wishes, he was an organ donor and gave the gift of life to 3 individuals, including a soldier stationed in Germany.  Cremation followed the donation.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.