Roger Glen Killian

Roger Glen Killian June 12, 1947–July 15, 2026 “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23 Roger Killian’s passing leaves a void in the lives of family, friends, church brothers and sisters, clients, and co-workers, yet we know that we have not lost him. He is now found in the glorious presence of His Lord and Savior. Roger faithfully proclaimed his hope of the blessed assurance of a Heavenly Home. We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we honor Roger today by striving to live as Jesus did. May we cling to the Word of God, trust Jesus Christ, love one another, and make our lives testimonies to the grace and glory of our Savior. Roger’s birth in the Dr. C.D. Killian building became the site where he practiced law for over 50 years. He grew up in the Collbran area, graduated from Fort Payne High School, attended Jacksonville State University, and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1972. Among his notable achievements were serving as vice-president of the student government at JSU, serving as a representative in the Alabama state legislature, and being named Kiwanis Club Member of the Year. Roger would likely say that these benchmarks are not as notable as his service to his family, church, and community. Examples include his reputation as a man devoted to his wife, his children and grandchildren, his parents, his siblings and cousins, and beyond. His influence extended beyond Alabama and the United States through missions trips to Honduras, Mexico, Spain, and Guatemala. As a charter member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Payne, he served as a ruling elder and leader of prayer groups. Following his mother’s passing, he began a mission where he composed a daily devotional circulated early mornings by email to many readers. This mission was named Christian Heritage Interactive Mission and its purpose was to lead readers back to Scripture–and through Scripture, to Jesus. These messages written the last ten years were recently published in four versions, one for each season of the year. Roger’s family and friends note that he had many outstanding qualities–faith, goodness, loyalty, honesty, humor, kindness–but no matter where he was, he intentionally engaged with people to connect, encourage, and share something funny to bring a smile to someone’s face. He knew the Bible well and was able to quote God’s truth to others in need of wisdom or advice. Roger is survived by Sally Gilbreath Killian, his wife of 54 years; their children LuAnne Barnette (Jonathan), Daniel Gaddis Killian (Jessica), and Sara Ellen Allbritton (Matt). Those who called him Papa are grandchildren Lainey Killian, Noah Allbritton, Grady Allbritton, Daniel Gaddis Killian II, Polly Jane Allbritton, Harper Killian, Henry Barnette, Clara Barnette, and Samuel Lucas Killian. He is also survived by siblings Gerald Killian, Rebecca Everett (Eddy), and brother-in-law Ron McCalman. He was preceded in death by parents Lorene Dollar Killian and Gaddis Killian, Aunt Madge Burt (a second mother), sister Ellen McCalman, and sister-in-law Martha Killian. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18th, at Grace Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. hour of service. Private interment will be at Gravel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Missions Fund of Grace Presbyterian Church (5760 Gault Ave. N, Fort Payne, AL 35967). Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Glen Killian

June 12, 1947 - July 15, 2026