Eugene “Gene” Gilliam was born on September 11, 1937 and raised in Dallas, TX. He passed away peacefully on January 21, 2019 from a glioblastoma brain tumor. He is preceded in death by parents Eugene D Gilliam and Anna Ruth Gilliam, sister Mary Ann Simons, first wife Mary Miller Gilliam, sons Mark C Gilliam and Gene J Gilliam.
Gene is survived by wife Diane S Gilliam, brother Burton Gilliam, daughter DeeAnna Sharp, son-in-law Walter Sharp, granddaughters Christian Angleton (husband Whit Angleton), Brianna Sharp, Jenna Sharp, Jordan Gilliam and four great grandchildren.
He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in January 1956. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer and won the Louisiana State Championship in 1958 and the Texas State Championship in 1960 and 1961.
He joined and served for three years in the Navy, where he became a Radar Technician on Destroyer Escort 354, USS Kenneth M Willett.
Gene married his first wife Mary Miller Gilliam in 1960 and they raised three children, DeeAnna, Eugene and Mark. They were married almost 43 years when she passed away from cancer.
He was a firefighter just like his father before him and was followed by his brother, Burton. He started his career in Highland Park in 1958 and moved on to the Richardson Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief over training. Gene started snow skiing and quickly found a passion in NASTAR racing. He joined the Lonestar Ski Club and was involved in running many aspects of the volunteer organization. He spent many years going on ski trips with people who became his dear friends and almost family. His passion was passed on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent his last Christmas 2018 celebrating with his family in Steamboat Springs, CO, his Heaven on Earth.
In 2004 Gene met his current wife Diane Gilliam on Mustang Island while at a Texas Ski Council Weekend “Summer Meltdown” trip. They married shortly after and have had 14+ wonderful years together.
Gene has continued to be recognized from his Golden Gloves days, being physically active, whether participating, supporting or coaching boys’ baseball teams, for his love of skiing and passion for racing, which led him to leadership positions locally and with the Texas Ski Council as Race Director.
Although, his proudest accomplishment and legacy was his love of Family.
Gene has a Trophy Room devoted to the many sports he has been involved in or competed in, with many trophies that showed he was the best at what he did. The Trophy Room includes hundreds of NASTAR Gold category racing awards, as well as some Platinum. He won First Place in his age group at the NASTAR National Ski Races in the Men’s Gold division.
He ran 9 miles around White Rock Lake every morning before work when he could run. Gene did miss running when his knees did not cooperate and always mentioned that he would love to run regularly again. He also enjoyed bicycling around White Rock Lake, as well as doing the “Hotter than Hell” race. If there was any competition, he wanted to win it!
Now, Gene has won the very best prize, because he has been “Promoted to Glory.”
He was loved and respected by all and leaves a legacy to his children. May he Rest in Peace.
A special thanks to the Ardent Hospice staff who were with us every step of the way.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Eugene will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, located at 9200 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas 75220.
The church is located at the Northeast Corner of Inwood Road and Northwest Highway.
Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at Watson Hall at the church.
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