He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1967 before serving 2 terms in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he began his long career working for Coke as a delivery driver. He married Nila Jean Hurlocker and they had 2 children together: Ricky and Vicky. They were married for 45 years before Nila’s passing in 2017. Thomas married Donna Stump and they spent some happy years together before he was called to heaven.
As a man of Christian faith, Thomas loved attending Clifftop Church with his wife and family when he could.
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife Nila Jean Gilliam and his brothers Carlos Gilliam and Gary Gilliam.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna Gilliam; brothers David Gilliam, James Gilliam, Cameron “Teddy” Gilliam, and Merle (Pam) Gilliam; daughter Vicky (Robert) Gravely; sons Ricky (Libby) Hurlocker and Ben (Kriste) Ward; grandchildren Stephanie “Stevie” Gravely, Lindsey Gravely, Harley Johnson, and Trey Ward; great-grandchildren Jax Gravely, Cameron Buchannon, Rev Gravely, and Mara Gravely; and many more family members.
The Celebration of Life Service for Thomas Gilliam will be held on Friday, August 25th, 2023. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm and the Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm with Reverend Ronnie Miller officiating. Military honors will follow at the gravesite by Mercer County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donation to be made to the Rosenbaum House in Morgantown on the Ruby Memorial Campus.
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