FUN IN THE SUN!

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Allen "Big Al" Travis Gilliland Sr. The founder and owner of Spring Valley Beach

Allen Travis Gilliland Sr., 86, of Blountsville, Alabama, passed away September 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born April 26, 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Ida Magdalena Nord. After graduating in 1958 from Mobile County High School in Grand Bay, Alabama, he served two years in the United States Army. He married Belva Jean Stover on March 17, 1962, and they were married until her death in 2023.

After a job with International Paper Company, he became owner of the full-service Shell Station at Tillman's Corner near Mobile, Alabama. Due to his managerial and administrative skills, he was awarded Service Station of the Year in 1968 from the Alabama Petroleum Company.

In 1972, he and Jean took a leap of faith and moved their family to north Alabama after purchasing Burgess Lake, a sandy-bottomed, spring-fed swimming pool in Blountsville. He had a vision to improve this facility, and in addition to converting it to a chlorine pool, he built its first water slide in 1980. Under his leadership and hard work, Spring Valley Beach was transformed from its humble beginnings to one of the best water parks in the Southeastern U.S. In recent years he formed a partnership with family to manage day-to-day operations. Although he enjoyed a retirement of sorts, you could still find him cleaning barbecue grills to make sure they were ready for the next park visitors. This willingness to do even the smallest of tasks was a hallmark of his work ethic.

In addition to the water park, he owned and operated Gilliland Manufacturing Company for many years and sold wood products to stores nationwide.

Affectionately called "Big Al" by family and friends, he was known for his giving and friendly nature. He was a loving husband, father, and papa. He was an ardent supporter of the Town of Blountsville, its schools and community organizations, and could always be counted on during fundraisers. He also served on many boards at local banks and utilities.

A highlight of his life was serving on a mission trip to Kenya with a longtime friend. He loved traveling and antiquing with his beloved wife Jean, and they saw much of the country together. He looked forward in particular to their annual fall trips to Pigeon Forge. Family held a special place in his heart and he was happiest when spending time with them.

He relished attending sporting events, whether it be high school or college. His trips to the Kentucky Derby were some of his favorite outings. Due to his Kentucky birth, he held a soft spot in his heart for the University of Kentucky basketball program.

He is survived by daughters Kim Nix (Steve), Ashley Adams (Mark), and son Travis Gilliland (Kendra); grandchildren Rachel Johnson (Ethan), Joshua Parker, Jacob Adams (Katharine), Trace Gilliland and Lilli Gilliland; and a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Gilliland, mother Ida Gilliland Helms, stepfathers F.H. Gilliland and Truett Helms, and brother Joseph Gilliland.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Blountsville Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be at 4:00 p.m. at Blountsville Baptist Church with Brother Randall Edmondson officiating. The burial will be in Blountsville Cemetery following the service, Blountsville Funeral Home directing.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Parker, Jacob Adams, Trace Gilliland, Ethan Johnson, Joe Gossett and Dave McAlpine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the J.B. Pennington High School Alumni Association or Blountsville Baptist Church.

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