Psalm 91:1
Walter Herman Gilliam, Jr. was born on January 4, 1956 in Manhattan, New York. He is the oldest child of the late Herman and Marian Gilliam. Walter attended St. Raymond’s Highschool before serving as an Electronics Technician in the United States Navy. He worked for NYC Transit Authority as a train operator for twenty years before retiring in 2018 and relocating to Clayton, NC.
Walter had an enthusiasm for life and enjoyed people. He had a charismatic quality and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Throughout his life, Walter has never met a stranger and was always willing to share his story and life lessons. Walter had a passion for music, food, and traveling. While overseas in the Navy, he developed a love for learning about other cultures, particularly the beauty of the Philippines and throughout his life developed many valued friendships with people there.
On Friday, June 26, 2020, the charming and captivating spirit of Walter Herman Gilliam Jr. departed this life and crossed over into a life of peace and eternal rest.
Walter is survived by his children, Desirai Heyward and husband, Clarence, Jordan Gilliam and Ziaire Gilliam; mother, Marian Gilliam; sister, Rafleta Gilliam; grandchildren, Gabrielle Heyward and Lauren Heyward; nieces, Keiana White and Chaundra Carter and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Herman Gilliam Sr. and a sister, Patricia Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 2:00pm in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with the family receiving friends following the service.
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