Michael Mike C. Gilliam

,Mike, Only on loan, returned to his Loving God on January 8, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his life and final illness, Michael continued to be an example of strength over adversity and to maintain his witty sense of humor and love of life. Michael grew up in Hueytown, Alabama and graduated from Hueytown High. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville State. Mike was a member of the Alabama Air National Guard. Michael's 25-year career with CIGNA Corp. led to assignments in Birmingham; Atlanta; Columbia, SC and Philadelphia. At the time of his retirement, he was VP and General Manager of Global Business Center of CIGNA International Property and Casualty in Chicago. Michael was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He and his wife, Sunny, are members of Asbury UMC. Michael was predeceased by his parent, A.B. and Sue Gilliam. He is survived by his wife, Sunny, and several cousins as well as many dear friends. Throughout their careers, Michael and Sunny traveled extensively. Then in 1991, realizing that "making a living is NOT the same as making a life", they made the decision to simplify their lives by retiring and devoting time to each other and volunteer work. But, in retirement, Mike did not slow down. He stayed active in sporting clays/trap shooting as well as being a avid fisherman. Through the years, he enjoyed the companionship of devoted family dogs, Butter, Austin, Keeper and Nosy. As a founding board member of the Alabama Coalition of Cultural Change, Michael helped implement a new concept to improve nursing home care-- Eden Alternative. After Mike's initial cancer treatments, he and his wife, Sunny, became Ambassador Volunteers with UAB Comprehensive Care Center, thereby giving back to others. Michael was known for his love for his wife, family and friends as well as for his faith, generosity and kind sprit. The family wishes to thank New Beacon Hospice, especially his "angel staff" of Allison, Ashley, Tabitha, Clay and Lucy, for enabling Mike to remain at home. The family will receive friends at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, January 12 at 11:00a.m. with the funeral services to follow at Noon. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Rev. Al Geise of Hueytown UMC.