From the Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio
October 19, 1997

EDGAR W. “LEFTY” GILLILAND

Gilliland, Edgar W. “Lefty”, age 89 of Union, passed away Friday, October 17. He was born on August 17, 1908 in Jackson County, Ohio the son of the late William E. & Alma (Howe) Gilliland. He was preceded in death by his sister: Vertie Greene, and brother: Vera Gilliland. Lefty is a former baseball player and manager who touched a lot of young lives over the years. It started in 1926 when he signed a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, but an auto accident shortly after ended any hope of a  big league career. He moved to Dayton during WWII and pitched for the Amateur World Champion ACME Team in 1944. Shortly thereafter he became active in managing youth teams. He was the Fairview High school Summer Team Manager from 1955 until 1978 when Fairview closed. Many of Lefty’s Boys went on to professional careers, including such notables as Mike Schmidt and Fred Scherman. Lefty’s players alway learned the basic fundamentals of baseball and the importance of teamwork. Lefty was recognized for both his playing and coaching skills by being selected to the Dayton Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He retired from Delco Moraine in 1972.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Virginia (Brown), sons & daughters-in-law: David & Judy Gilliland of Columbus, Bill & Sharon Gilliland of W. Milton, daughters & sons-in-law: Betty & Fred Yost of Clayton, Lou and Bill Entz of Dothan, AL., 13 grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Monday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. at the Lindred Funeral Home (400 Union Blvd., Englewood) with Rev. Sharon Beattie officiating. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Interment will be at Royal Oak Memorial Gardens, Brookville. If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association.

-- Contributed by Bill Gilliland, son of Edgar "Lefty" Gilliland