Burl Darwin Gilliam

Burl was born on August 16, 1938 to Harrison and Pauline Gilliam in Godley, Texas. He was the oldest of three boys. He was salutatorian of his graduating class at Godley High School and was a star football player. He went on to pursue pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin where he met fellow pharmacy student, Kay Gross. The two married and welcomed son, Lance and then daughter, Laura.

The family relocated to Steamboat Springs, Colorado where they enjoyed skiing and hiking. After moving back to Texas, Burl bought his own pharmacy in Grapevine. This started his passion to restore Grapevine’s Main Street. He was member and President of the Historical Preservation Committee for 25 years. He was also D.E. Box Citizen of the Year in 2010.

After retiring and selling the pharmacy at an early age, he enjoyed playing softball and volleyball in his spare time. He was passionate about UT football/baseball and the Texas Rangers. He loved to spend time at his lake house at Possum Kingdom. He and Kay enjoyed traveling the world and chasing solar eclipses. Some of his favorite vacation spots included Grand Cayman, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and Iceland.

Burl and Kay enjoyed helping raise their granddaughter, Sierra and showing her the world. Burl was very passionate about spending time with his family and making sure everyone was taken care of. Burl will always be remembered for his bright smile, generosity and charismatic personality. He was larger than life! His kids lovingly called him “The Big Cheese.”

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Self of Grapevine; his granddaughter, Sierra Gronwaldt (Kevin); brother, Winston Gilliam of Lubbock; brother-in-law, Terry LaCrosse (Diana); nieces, Amy Ferguson (Billy) and Lola LaCrosse (Jerry); nephews, Gary Gilliam (Gwen), Rusty Gilliam (Deborah), Ford LaCrosse and Joel Gilliam.

Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Kay Gilliam; son, Lance Gilliam; mother and father, Harrison and Pauline Gilliam; brother, Horace Gilliam (Gail) and sister-in-law, Anne LaCrosse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Burl’s honor to:

The Grapevine Heritage Foundation

636 South Main Street

Grapevine, Texas 76051

[email protected]