William Harold Killian

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news of William Harold Killian's passing on November 8, 2025.

Born on December 5, 1947, in Murphy, NC, he graduated Murphy High School Class of 1966. His classmates were lifelong friends. He was a proud veteran, drafted into the Army in 1967, and served our country for 2 years. He was stationed in South Korea and was on duty at the "Bridge of No Return", Panmunjon, when the 82 Pueblo ship hostages were released on December 23, 1968. He also served with the National Guard for 18 years.

Working hard to provide for his family, he worked many years for Ladd Engineering, Fort Payne, AL, and Gulf Telephone Company, Foley, AL, where he was a member of the Board of Directors. He helped facilitate the sale of Gulf Telephone in 1998. He retired as President of CMI, Chipley, FL, in July 2010. He set an inspiring example of leadership and caring that will continue to guide us and the many people he touched throughout the years.

Harold was the son of the late Clifford Henry and Nina Mae McDonald Killan. He was preceded in death by sister Brenda Killian Bettis; brother-in-law J. B. Bettis; and sister Eva Diane "Ann" Killian Anderson.

Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rita Carrol Henson Killian; son William Jody Killian and wife Marcia; granddaughter Katelynn Elizabeth Killian Morgan and husband Garrett; and great-grandson Killian Cash Morgan. Also surviving are his niece Connie Bettis Clayton and husband Bobby; brother-in-law Rev. David Anderson; nieces Michelle Hayes and husband Sam; Monica Corn and husband Kenny; nephew Daniel Anderson and wife Jessica.

Pallbearers: Junior Arrant; Jason Hughes, Eric Colling, Derek Hughes, Nemo Milan, and Chandler Collins.

Honorary pallbearers: John Rogers, Tim Stinton, Richard Hagler, Bobby Clayton, and Larry Henson.

Reverend Josh Johnson, a longtime personal friend, will conduct a graveside service in the cemetery at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Friday, November 14, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am. Immediately following graveside services, family, friends, colleagues and all whose lives were touched by Harold are warmly invited to join us for a time of remembering and celebrating Harold at 340 Deyton Drive (home of Junior and Angie Arrant).

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Grandview Baptist Church; PO Box 417; Muphy, NC 28906 or Isaiah 117 House-Union County, GA; PO Box 842; Elizabethton, TN 37644

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home, Blairsville, in charge of arrangements.