I do not know if I will be much help. What nationality is your g-father? If he was austrian/polish/ukrainian (or from eastern europe - or his ancestors); the root of GOLA is "Gol," which comes from "goly": which means "bare, naked." "Gol" also comes from "golic": which means "to shave." European names were often derived from occupations of the individual. If your g-father died in Missouri, you can write to the social security administration, include $7, and request his application for a social security number. It will have his parents' names, and his birth place, etc., on it. It is usually a good start. If found your message while researching "GOLAB." Good luck.