Rusty was always super nice and friendly to us we didn't know that he passed away but Rusty you will be missed and thank you so much for everything you helped me with ! ❤️

Can’t believe it’s been one year. Lost but not forgotten. 

Rusty fixed our cars over the years. He will be missed, especially when it comes to someone who knew how to fix our cars! We are praying for his family.

So sorry to learn of Rusty's passing.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.              Debbie, Chris and David Bates.


My Friend, you were the go to guy.  From the first time I had the honor of meeting you.  The first thing you said was where you from, we had a good laugh damn yankee!  That was back in 2002-03, you always had a minute or two too talk, laugh and make this damn Yankee smile!  I’ll miss ya ole man! But I know we’ll see one another again........

I am deeply saddened to hear of Rusty’s passing. I think it’s safe to say we lost a good one!! I first met Rusty when I started working at On The Border in 2007, and he kind of just continued popping up everywhere in my 10 year service industry career. He was also my mom’s go-to guy anytime she had car problems for years and years when she worked at Regions. He has been good to my family for many years. He had a zest for life that was unmatched and it was always good to see him no matter where you happened to bump into him, always greeted with a smile and a hug. The last time I saw Rusty, he was telling me all about his ice chest with built-in blender for margaritas and how awesome it was making his own ritas on the beach hahaha. He will be so dearly missed by so many in our community. Rest easy, Rusty. My next marg’s for you!!

Glad to have called Rusty a friend.  Love and prayers for the family.  


I will miss seeing your smiling face on Facebook and out and about in town.  RIP  Rusty

Rusty I don't even know where to start, we had so many memories together. You were always my ROCK. You were always there me and my girls. I am already miss you like crazy. I love you forever and always ❤ Until we meet again 

Saying good bye to one of the good guys today!!! Always kind, made me laugh and a true friend ! Gonna be dearly missed!! 

I didn't know Rusty well, that is my loss. But I did know him as a good mechanic, an honest, gentleman that treated me the way I'd like to be treated. I appreciated his smile and his spirit. I especially appreciate his family. I wish there were more families like the Gilllham family. This world would be a better place. 

I just heard about Rusty and I am so saddened by his loss.  Rusty was a very kind and sincere man. I knew him many, many years ago and he helped fix my car about 15 years ago when I came in town from Tn and car broke down. Rusty was such a good person and his friends could always count on him. Rusty you will be missed. Heaven has another great person there.  Love you Rusty, your friend LaNora.

Rusty was one of the sweetest men I’ve ever known. He is Hot Springs to me. Rusty could always bring a smile to my face and was such a dear friend to me and everyone else. The racetrack, lake, and Hot Springs in general will never be the same. He will be so missed, but I know his giving heart and spirit will last forever.
I pray that you can find some comfort knowing how loved your son, dad, brother was by all who met him. It’s been a privilege knowing Rusty and he will always be loved. We are all better people for being in his presence.  

Rusty will be missed by so many. A great father who adored his kids!! May you find peace with the Lord our father in heaven. You will be missed by so many.

I can’t even imagine hurt Rusty’s loved ones are going through. I met and knew Rusty from coming in the Ohio Club where I work. We always met him when he walked through the doors with big hugs and laughs. This man has become dear to my heart and everyone else he has come in contact with. He will be sadly missed, but I will always remember that laugh and crazy whistle forever. Xoxo

I don't know anyone on this earth who enjoyed life more than Rusty or brought more joy to others than he did, maybe that's also why he had more friends than anyone I know.  Caring, friendly, dependable, giving, and always in a good mood are just a few of the words I'd use to describe Rusty.  From the time we worked together at the tire store as teenagers to seeing him just last week, he was always a ray of sunshine and someone who could bring a smile to your face no matter how good or bad your day was.....or his.   He was someone you could always count on, someone who excelled at all he did, and someone who truly loved his family.  He will be missed, and we are all better people for having known him.   Rest in peace, my friend.  Love you, man!

Rusty, you definitely were one of a kind. I will always think of you as a second dad. I’ll truly miss getting to visit with you to hear your stories and see your sweet smile.   You were always there for Kallen and I and I’ll forever be grateful.  As I was looking through old pictures of all of us, I remembered how you used to sneak up on us and prank us with that silly noise only you could do and started laughing.  I feel truly blessed to have known you. You will forever live on in all of our memories! 

To your beautiful family, I just want to express my gratitude for sharing Rusty with us.  I’m constantly thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort.

With love and prayers, 
Kelsey Brady

Bold prayers for you all as you go through the days ahead.

Rusty was my first cousin. He always had a smile for everyone and a big heart for others. Right before Christmas, Rusty, myself, my siblings and some other cousins that we don’t get to see much got to spend some time together. We went to Grateful Head Pizza. We had many laughs and shared wonderful memories. I’ll cherish that time with Rusty. 

What a great man and one great  tech. Just moved back to town a short time ago ,I had met up with tall Chris to pick up his car ,after 28 years of being away rusty still remembered are friendship from are young day s. Had working with twin city motors in the early 90s with me frank staggs,Chris Butler ,Brian Simoneoux, over years of business  we had time for fun enjoying the demolition derby , and just hangin at the shop. I will never forget. Bless his heart  and his family. R.i.p my friend until we meet again

There is not enough time or words to express what a great man Rusty was, everyone knows that.  This is a tragic loss for us left behind, but this I can promise you, Brian “Rambo” Keck has gained a friend back forever. 
Godspeed 
Chris “Jake” McDonald 

Rusty Gillham was the happiest person i know he could brighten up even the darkest of day’s. He was a once in a life time diamond in the rough type of friend. Darrell and I will forever cherish the memories we made with rusty from beach trips, the lake, Race season, football games, concerts, float trips and  our motorcycle ride’s and rally’s with everything in between. He was our best friend and he will forever be in hearts. Gillham Family My heart breaks for each every one of you. You all are constantly  in our thoughts and prayers praying that you all can have the strength and guidance you need to make it through this loss of your beloved Rusty. Fly high Rusty Gillham Goodbye for now and until we all meet again  in heaven . We love you Buddy Brittney and Darrell.

Rusty was always very kind to me he was a special friend that loved living life to its  fullest.  We have tons of great adventures and memories loved him very much and always had a great time! 

My prayers to the Gillham Family on the loss of Rusty. I bought a truck from Rusty some years ago and he has kept it running beautifully since.  Thank God for Rusty and Rusty's Automotive!

My prayers are with the family and may God Bless You All.

CW, Carolyn, Crystal, Zack and Tiffany. Reggie, Rick, Rodney. Words can't express how we are all feeling at this time. Your Son, your Dad, your brother, was one of the best men I have ever known and a best friend to me. Thank you for all the years of friendship all of you have shown me. CW, thanks for going to court with me back in 1987, Carolyn, thanks for treating me like your 5th son, Crystal, you may have only been 3 or 4 years old but thanks for trying to introduce me to girls at the mall and bowling alley, (maybe we used you to meet girls because you were so darn cute) Zack, glad I got to be your tour guide on your first trip to Vegas, Tiff, just because your Dad isn't here to call me when you need help in Little Rock doesn't mean you can't call me. I'll help any of you anyway can. Praying for all of you.

Our memories go back to the 60's so too many to fit in here. The every summer weekend lake trips on the Checkmate, every weekend Oaklawn was open you betting your 4 and you  betting my 7 just to jinx it, I'll bet the 4 for you now, every summer trip to the beach with all our friends, many trips to Vegas and hours at the blackjack tables drinking Vegas grenades and watching you split 10's, I may split 10's for you sometime if the dealer has a 6, riding our Harleys at BBB, Petit Jean, downtown HS, sucks we came up a little short of that trip to Sturgis for the first time this year, I have a piece of your bike that will be in Sturgis with us....I could go on for a long time. Brittney and I were talking about how all of these things we love to do together would not be nearly as much fun anymore and I felt guilty for a second or 2 because it sounded selfish that we seemed to be focusing on how you leaving us affected our lives and our good times, but then we realized that it was because of you that all these  times we had and the memories we will have would not be possible if you hadn't been there to create them with us. We will continue buddy, and take those memories with us. Thank you for sharing your smile, that laugh, that popping sound, your ice chest blender, and your life with us. Until we meet again, miss you and love you buddy.

Rusty loved wholeheartedly and lived life to the fullest. It’s heartbreaking to refer to him in the past tense. He’s come to my rescue too many times and I’ll forever be grateful for the friendship we shared. The love he had for his family is admirable and my heart breaks for them on the days to come. Know he bragged on you Crystal, Zach, and Tiffany. He loved you three more than life. Prayers for you as you step into this next chapter. Rusty, I’ll drink a watermelon margarita  for you. Love you always

Rusty was always good at getting himself into a mess. When the kids were little, I remember yall were living in the big house. One of your cats died. There was a pet cemetery in one of the flower beds in the back yard because there was always pets, fish, hamsters, cats, dogs. The problem with this one was it was winter and the ground was frozen. Rusty said he went out there and attempted to dig a hole but couldn't. So he took the dead cat and threw it in the trash dumpster at the shop. Well a short time later it warmed up and I was at the shop and there was this horrible smell and he told me the story about the cat and ended it with "don't tell Kim."  Well of course I went straight out of there and called Kim.  My stomach is hurting from laughing while I type this remembering his face when I said "I told Kim."  She was so mad and he was in so much trouble.

I don't know where to start after 34 years of friendship. All of the trips, concerts, nights out, days at Oaklawn, Razorback games. You were at the hospital when both of my kids were born and I was there when Zack and Tiffany were born.  There are so many memories.  Some of the stories are just fun, others are down right crazy but the one thing that is true is that Rusty lived his life to the fullest. I will miss him sneaking up from behind and yelling to scare me (never thought I would say that). Its hard to believe we're not going to hear your signature click /pop sound or "Whooo pow". 
Until we meet again my sweet friend, Laada (That's what "Russy" called me).  

Gonna miss you big, Rusty! You always took the best care of us girls and always made sure we were smiling. That contagious laugh, big heart, giving spirit & love of Watermelon Margaritas will never be forgotten and forever missed. 

Rusty was a friend to all that knew him. We have shared so many memories over the years. When i would sing karaoke he would always ask me to see his song When You Say Nothing At All. I will always think of him when i hear this song.  His joy of life was priceless and contagious.  I miss him so much.  He always had a way of making you feel like you were his best friend.  I know you are looking down on us and will always be a guardian angel for us. Love you forever Rusty❤️

Rusty I am so glad Darrell introduced you to Brad and I.  We had so many great times on the lake, going to dinner and then out to have fun at Smylys .  You was always the life of the group and no matter what you may have had going on in your life you always had a smile and always made everyone around you laugh and forget about any problems they may be having.  The summers on the lake will never be the same without you.. the missing link .  Forever missed but always in our hearts.  Rest In Peace Boyfriend 💙❤️ 

All of my memories of Rusty are both funny and happy with the exception of the time he ran into my car. Of course, it was by total accident and he felt SO bad! We ended up laughing about it in the end! It’s a story we all still talk about to this day! He always had a smile on his face, willing to answer questions or help, and was always good for a laugh! He will he missed by SO many! Continued prayers for his family and heart felt sympathy........
Amanda Owens Coker

.... Those trips to Vegas, the many trips to the beach, those hundreds of rounds of bad golf we played, the summers of weekends on the lake, and the countless nights at Smileys and Boot Scooters and Big Chill,  I have a thousand  stories I could share, some more believable than others, some maybe even a bit preposterous but all of them a cherished memory now..  😊 .... I will simply say, I was proud to have Rusty as a friend..  And no greater treasure has a man than one true friend.. 

Rusty was one of the funniest and kindest men I’ve ever met! His genuine compassion for others was evident which is one of the many reasons so many people loved and adored him! Rusty is loved and will be missed by many! 💔


Rusty has been a friend of mine since I was 16 years old. Hanging out as kids, going to church together, and best man at my wedding. He was just as happy then as he was now. He remained a friend of my throughout the years and even became like a second dad to my girls. Even though my marriage didn’t work out to his best friend, he never treated any different. Rusty was one of a kind and the one  word that describes him to me  is HAPPY, because that is how he always appeared to be.  When I got a phone call early that morning from my daughter, I knew something was wrong because I never get a call that early. When she told me about rusty my heart just exploded with with grief and incredible sadness. To his parents, brothers, children, and anyone who loved him , I am so incredibly sorry. Heaven has gained an amazing man.  As my daughter said, he will take a peace so many hearts with him. Much love to all of the Gillham family as I know this is extremely hard and I pray for peace, comfort and healing through their tragic loss. Fly high my friend. You WILL BE EXTREMELY MISSED BY SO MANY PEOPLE.  

Rusty and I graduated from high school together in 1979. He was known as a really funny, good guy. Several years ago through my friend Bethel Sanders,  I was able to spend time with him . I saw him again last summer at our HSHS reunion.  So glad he came. When I think of Rusty, I think of joy, optimism, comedy and that Rusty was such a good human.  RIP Rusty. 


I have never met a more amazing person -

Rusty was the most genuine, fun, nicest, loving person I know. He became a 2nd dad to me over the years. I could always count on him for help or to be the person to cheer me up when I was down. There was never a dull moment around him. His personality and laugh were contagious. He was always our boat captain and the life of the party. Rusty - I will miss you so much! Love you always ❤

My husband and I met Rusty a few years back through a good friend John. Since then Rusty became a very close friend of ours. Rusty was full of life and always had a smile and joke to share! Saturday’s at Oaklawn will definitely not be the same. 
I pray for comfort and strength for all the family during this time and days to come. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.
Jamie and Phil Ferebee 

9:44am doorbell rings, 9:45am doorbell rings again. Moments in time I wish, like many many others, never happened. Your son and daughter stood in the doorway with broken hearts about your untimely passing. Walking to the bedroom to wake up my wife to deliver the worst news imaginable, that you were gone. No more big smiles and laughs, no more hugs and well-wishes. I still cant believe it. Being with your kids and family these past few days preparing for the funeral have been so hard, we are getting through it, coming together with many tears and many laughs. Oh the pranks you pulled and the joy you brought to so many people. Listening to all the stories from friends and family you truly were a blessed man and loved by many. I have no doubts on your way up to heaven you had donuts ready for Gar and a million stories to tell her. No matter the situation you always told me to take care of your babies, them being your grandkids and your daughter, I always said I will and i promise to keep on doing so. You left some big calves to fill, if you ever saw the man in shorts you would understand - he had calf muscles that would make the Hulk jealous, so with that said I'll do my very best. Just know you are loved deeply and missed beyond words. Fly high Rusty Gillham.

Rusty was the life of the party no matter where he was.  He always had a smile on his face and always made everyone feel like his best friend.  I feel so blessed to have known him for over 30 years and to have made some memories over the years that will put a smile on my face each time I think of him. 

Rusty was that person that made an outsider feel welcome. He never needed encouragement or a boost. He just knew how to light up a room. When Rusty would be there, I knew I wanted to go because he knew how to have fun and keep everyone included. Our group outings won’t be the same anymore. But we will never forget the memories and love we have for you in our hearts. 

Rusty,
Show gonna miss my longtime friend of 20 years. Gonna miss you at bowling, but you always have a spot in our hearts.
Gonna miss the best mechanic ever.
Rest In Peace
Steve Murphy

Rusty. 
You will always be remembered in my heart. You were always one of the kindest and sweetest person I have ever net. You will always be in my heart. Take care of those Angel's in heaven.
Love always, my friend,
Sue Murphy

Praying for God’s peace and comfort. You are a family that is close to my heart. So sorry for you loss. 

C W and the Gillham Family, Your Family  will be in our Prayers and thoughts during this trying time for all of You. The Gillham  Family and the Muldoon Family has always been close and we will be Praying to help you get through this difficult time.
Tommy Muldoon and The Muldoon Family

Our senior year the last class of the day was Home Economics. Our class was at noon. Our teacher couldn't have class as the school had no money for food. Every day 5 of us played cards, every single day! We brought food from home, ate and played cards. Glad I got to see you a month ago so we could catch up. 
David Barron

Gillham Family-

We are so terribly sorry for your loss. We will remember Rusty as someone who always had a smile, fun loving personality and would do anything to help someone. You all remain in our thoughts and have our sincerest condolences. 

Gregg and Katie Gordon 


So saddened to hear of Rustys passing!  Always such a fun guy with an infectious smile and  a huge love of life.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers 

Love and prayers from Texas 

Rusty and his brothers are the reason why I will always love the American muscle car. I grew up across the street from them and watched them rebuild many a Chevelle...

Rusty had many many friends and I was fortunate to be one of them.  Yes, he was a prankster , bowler, golfer, dad, son... but he was just a great human being.  He was doing what he loved when he passed on to the next great adventure.  Heaven gained a good one for sure.  In some way or another, Rusty Gillham had made his mark on the City of Hot Springs and will be truly missed for a very long time.  Rest easy my friend !!

Returned to the spa city twice in the last 1 5 years after moving to Washington State. I knew the return visits with Rusty, his brothers and mother and dad would be a happy  event. I also knew when I came face to face with Rusty I would get that big smile and a bigger hug. Did I cry when I heard of his death? Yes I did. Did I cry when I saw his picture in the obituary? Yes I did. Because he and his brothers were special nephews.

Dear Lord please lay your hands on Rusty’s family and friends. We are suffering but know he is with you and he would not want us to be saddened by his passing but rejoice in his life. I will always remember the smile on his face after he goosed me. A lot of places here in Hot Springs will always remind me of him. Rest In Peace my friend! Till we meet again.
Our condolences,
Jody and Vickie Alford

Rusty you will be missed by so many. Thank you for being sweet & kind & always having a hug with outstretched arms, regardless. Your smile is forever embedded in my mind. Fly high...R.I.P.


Will miss your FB "Where am I's". April Fools Day? I'm thinking Rusty would like that. Prayers to his loving family🙏

When I think of childhood memories, they are full of Rusty. He was my cousin that lived just around the corner.  Our families didn't just spend holidays and birthdays together, but camping trips to the lake and so much more.  Rusty, his brother Ricky, my brother, Jim and me  kept the road between our houses "hot" racing back and forth on bikes and then motorcycles. The four of us were doing something together pretty much  all the time until our high school years. 

Since I moved to Washington state 40 years ago, I have not seen Rusty often. But, whenever I did get the chance, he was still the same old Rusty from my childhood.  Full of hugs and smiles, time and distance changed nothing, we picked up like it was just yesterday.  I will miss you cousin, but you will forever be in my memories.  

All my love to  Aunt Carolyn, Uncle CW, Ricky, Reggie and Rodney. My heart breaks for you.

Debbie Meredith Crews

I am sure you are in good hands now, but I know you will be greatly missed by all of your family and friends.  Like so many others,  your smile comes to mind when I think of you.  Don't think I ever saw you without one.  RIP


Zack, we are so sorry to hear of your loss.

Your neighbors, Mary & Vic 

We work closely with Rusty’s son Zack. And we knew Rusty through his shop. Sending love and hugs and prayers and condolences in a huge way to Zack and all his relatives. Sudden loss is never easy. Zack, all of your Oaklawn friends are here for you. 🙏🏼♥️

Rusty  met you 25 years when Rodney and Terie were married your SMILE never changed.  May God bless and comfort your family

Rusty was such a positive guy, always smiling & having a good time. I never missed going to see him on bowling nights or at the track, we always got to catch up on what we were doing. I will miss him dearly, what a pleasure to be around. I have really been sad since hearing the news, Prayers for the family.
Neil Fisher

The Gilliam family is very dear to me. I am so very sad & sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and joy in the memory of your precious Rusty.

I love you.  You are forever in my ❤️ heart.  Thank you for you compassion, friendship and love to me and my family.  

Praying for the family Rusty was very special to us he was a nice young man funny, smart and always kept us laughing we are going to miss him so much Rest In Peace my Friend . Our hearts go out to his family .



   
Wayne & Dorothy Plant

I worked for his dad in Rusty's younger days .  When ever I saw him later he always hugged me and had a kind word.    He was taken to soon but left his mark in a positive manner May he RIP and his family find comfort he is with his heavenly father and will be their guardian angel.

With a heavy heart my Prayers 🙏 go out to this great family and all that knew him  He will be missed by many God bless your upcoming celebration of a longtime friend
Joey Varney  

So sorry for your loss. Rusty’s smile could light up any room. God bless the family. I recently lost my brother and know the pain. My prayers are with you all. 🙏

Zack-

May I offer to you and your family my prayers, love and celebration of the life Rusty lived with you all.

My sincerest thoughts are with each of you-

Neil

Rest In Peace Rusty. You have been a great friend and customer.   Prayers for the family. 

I met Rusty at the bowling alley where I work, he always had a smile on his face, he would come up to counter making this weird whistle noise..he will be missed, next time its thundering I'll believe he's bowling a 300 in heaven. RIP RUSTY...

You were always ready to help!  You helped us all the time and never bragged about it.  You were never embarrassed to be related to me.  And I am going to miss your unique birthday wishes, I looked forward to those every year.  Rest in Love cousin. Until we meet again! 

I wasn’t ready to see this on my feed this morning. We grew up in church together. I’ve seen his posts on Facebook living life to the fullest. So young!! Prayers for his family!! 
♥️🙏🏼♥️

Memories, I have so many growing up with Rusty.Even though we were just cousins we were like brothers. You never saw us apart. Either riding motorcycles ,or in the woods building forts. As life revolved of course we grew  apart and went  different directions. But I always felt that there was part of us that were brothers always at heart.He was such a happy, helpful person to anybody that came along.He will be greatly missed in all our hearts .Good bye for now my friend and cousin. see you again one day .

This breaks my heart. I don’t have a memory of Rusty that is bad. Every time I seen him, he had a smile on his face. Rusty was my person that I could count on for anything and I’m sure he was that for many other people. Someone posted the other day that Hot Springs would not be the same without Rusty. I amen that.... Rusty, I love you and miss you with all my heart. Rest in love my friend and cousin. 

Rusty was one of a kind, in my younger years Rusty was ‘zack’s dad’ or ‘kyle’s uncle’. He always embraced all of their friends just like his own. As I grew into an adult Rusty became more than just a ‘parent’ or ‘uncle’ he became a good friend. He was always there anytime anyone needed him. I think there are many times Rusty wanted to kill me but he was always there!! In one week I locked my keys in my car THREE times , Rusty was there every time with a smile and ‘well now we ya owe me a drink’ 
He loved his kids and grandkids more than anything in this world, his face lit up anytime you asked about them. He loved life and truly lived life! Continued prayers to his family and friends.

I didn't really know him, but took my car to him years ago & I remember him being very nice & helpful. My Dad & his Dad are good friends. 

Deepest sympathies & prayers to the family. 🙏🙏

Never met a man like Rusty.......he had hundreds of BEST friends....he would help no matter the time of day or night he would be there if he said he could.  This has hit me like a ton of bricks but for all the family and friends Prayers ...... and God take care of this good man and friend.

From the lakebed 4 wheeling days to the laughter in our later years. What a good man you have been Rusty. You will be missed.


There are too many memories to post here.  We have known each other for 35 years.  You have always had great sense of humor and always listened.  You will definitely be missed.  Rest In Peace Rusty.

Rusty , I still remember practicing football plays in your parents front yard when we were the Gardner- Lake Hamilton Cowboys . We had a lot of good clean fun in those days . God Bless Family . RIP.

I cant believe your Gone. All the wonderful rides we had together, and the memories we shared. The world truelly lost a good man and friend. RIP RUSTY I LOVE YOU MAN...TILL WE MEET AGAIN

Well I really don't know where too start he was a great boss even better friend and the stunts he would pull while we were working on a car. Rusty gave me a chance when I was 18years old. I still remember the first job he made me do like it was yesterday that man meant a lot too me. Rusty rest in peace 

Oh my goodness Rusty... your contagious smiling face will definitely be missed. Glad I had a chance to know you!! 

I worked for Rusty for quite a few years.  He was not just a boss but a mentor and a great friend.  There are so many great memories with him I would not know where to begin but, with all the memories the one thing that was always the same is his smile and laugh.  If you truely knew him you know what I'm talking about.  Rusty you will be missed but you will not be forgotten.  Rest in peace my friend.


Whenever I think of you, I always remember how good you were to Aunt Phylis❤️. She thought you hung the moon! Hope you two are sharing Shipleys glazed donuts together up there! Rest In Peace.

My gosh we go way back!  I think I've known Rusty since I was 4.  I will miss that big smile and heart to match.  The impact he had on our town cannot be measured.  I will always admire him for the way he truly LIVED life.   Rest well Rusty. <3. You'll forever be with all of us.  

I went to school with Rusty from Gardner Elementary to Southwest Junior High through the busing transfer to Central Junior High and finally graduating from "dear Old Hot Speimg High".   Our mothers were in PTA together.  I rarely saw him in later years but always enjoyed reconnecting with him every 5 years as I was preparing for our class reunions. 
To the family: I am so sorry for your loss.

I have known Rusty for several years but became really close to him over the last couple of years. He was so full of life and always willing to help anyone. He made such an impact on everyone that he met and will truly be missed. Summertime on the lake will be hard without his smiling face and addicting laugh! 

Oh Rusty! Thank you for always allowing me to eat at El Chico with your family on Fridays in the mall!!! "No double dipping!" Lol Tiffany became my best friend in the 1st grade and from there on out your house was my 2nd home. From feeding us every Saturday morning to scaring the living crap out of me with all your silly noises, thank you for not only making me feel like family but all of the other girls Tiffany's friends with too! The Gillham's house was the place to always be! May you rest in peace and never be forgotten! 

Rusty, omg so many conversations...you helped me so many times, always always had the best hugs..... I’m so thankful I got to see you recently.... you will be missed so very much..... God speed my friend....Love Lyni......

Rusty never meant a stranger. He always had a smile on his face that was contagious. He was always at Skinny Dip Cove very summer and loved his margaritas at On the Border. He will be greatly missed and loved by many. May you RIP Rusty and may God watch over your family. Lots of Love❤️❤️

                                                         Candy Ashley

Knew Rusty for a long time , always willing to help you and always had that smile on his face . World lost a good one he will be missed .

In October 2011 I moved to Hot Springs, I love bowling and the Bowling year has already started. Without hesitation Rusty welcomes me to town and let me bowl on his team. Rusty was the first person to welcome me to Hot Springs and we went on to have great times bowling, golfing, and just enjoying life. That is the one thing that stands out. Rusty always enjoyed life. I will miss my friend but thank him for the memories. 

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. Charlotte Kennedy🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

I love you,Rusty. I lost my guardian angel. You always took care of me and came to my rescue no matter how much it inconvenienced you and you would gripe at me. Only way I could repay you (other than paying you out) was brownies, cookies, and homemade pecan pies. I cherish the memories and help and don't know what to do without you and our family and friendship. Ricky's going to have to step up. I'm needy but appreciative and will feed you. I love the Gillham's and always will. R.I.P. my bro in law. Greatly missed and never forgotten. 🙏🙏

Zack is my best friend. So I was always at Rusty’s house. I was paying music one night at Bubba Brews and Rusty came in and made sure to stay long enough to make one of his loud noises and tell his friends “This is my step son John, he basically lives at my house”.  I’m sure going to miss you Rusty. 

Rusty and I went to school together; 1st-12th, he was married to my cousin Kim, so guess you could say we were family. He took donuts to my Aunt every Saturday morning. He was a great guy! 

Rusty was one of my best friends since we were 7 years old. Thru good times and bad, marriages and divorce, Tragedy and celebrations. Always positive and encouraging. He was like a brother to me.

Rusty was a sweet guy and always had a smile on his face! Earth will never the same, but Heaven just got a whole lot more fun!  We will miss you so much! RIP, Rusty. Until we meet again! 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Russell Crafton Gillham

4 décembre 1960 – 26 mars 2020

Gross Funeral Home

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