Willey Edward Gilliam Sr. 84, born July 24, 1939 to the late Robert Henry and Mary Gary Gilliam, departed his life here on earth Tuesday August 8, 2023 at his home in Richmond VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents wife of 30 plus years Mary M. Gilliam, daughter Paula Branch, siblings Carrie (Albert lee), Henry (Jean), John( Sally)Gilliam , Fannie (John) Jackson,Susie (Robert) Miller, Walter & Grace Gilliam. GreatGrand daughter Teriah Scott. Sister -inlaw Dorothy Gilliam.
Willey gave his life to Christ at and early age and work in New Hope Baptist Church for many years before moving to Richmond and working as a Deacon at The Church of the Body of Christ .
He attended Cumberland County Schools. After leaving VA he moved to Washington DC where he met and married his first wife, from that union came five children.
Willey loved to ride horses and hunt. You name it he would hunt it. He was the Original Hunter, known to many as" Gil,"
"G-man" Jive Turkey, Uncle Fathead, dad," PaPa" and most of all ""POP".
Willey later moved back to VA where he worked many years at McGuire Veterans Hospital, where he retired. He also worked Richmond city morgue. During this time he met and married his present wife of 20+ years Clara Gilliam.to this union he gain three bonus sons.
Willey was a very tall and handsome Gilliam man, was loved by many, especially his nieces and nephews who were like children to him, and will be missed by many.
He leaves to cherish his memories, wife Clara Gilliam, 2 daughters Patricia and Phyllis Gilliam , 2 sons, Willey Jr.( Shawndell) Justin Freeman, , 21 grandchildren, 8 great grand, 1 sister Annie Coleman, 1 brother Robert Gilliam Sr.,3 bonus sons Alexander, Rashawn & Curtis Jones, 3 bonus daughters Irene Anderson, Angela Jefferson & Edith Liggon, nieces, nephews,cousins, other relatives and friends.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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