Edward Desmond Gilliam, Sr.

Edward Desmond Gilliam, Sr. of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the age of 95. He was born June 19, 1928, in Hickman, KY, to the late Ray and Thelma Bradshaw Gilliam. Ed is preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Lynn Woodward; and son, David Arnold Woodward. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Arnold Gilliam; children, Ronald K. Woodward (Susan), Edward D. Gilliam, Jr. (Cindy), Richard D. Woodward, Edwin K. Gilliam, Ronald Clay Gilliam (Christine), Kathy Ann Gill (Steve) and Marsha Ann Dufour; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members. Ed proudly served our country in the US Navy’s 124th Naval Construction BN. Adak, AK. He again served in the US Army in combat in the Korean War as Master Sergeant (Battery A 64th Field Artillery BN -Tropical Lightning). He was a highly skilled welder and retired member of local Boilermaker Union 582. In addition, he was the owner/operator of a Baton Rouge retail/seafood business for many years. Ed was a 33rd degree Mason and a Shriner. In retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling the country, playing golf, and fishing. Lovely wife Jean of 58 years was the fisherman while he was mainly the helmsman. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 9am until the time of funeral services at 11am. Interment will immediately follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice or Shriners Hospitals for Children.