He graduated from Grundy County High School in 1961. Dr. Gilliam graduated near the top of his class from Loma Linda University Medical School in Loma Linda, California in 1971. He spent most of his medical career in Orlando, Florida practicing emergency medicine and was one of the first board-certified emergency room physicians.
Dr. Gilliam was an avid sportsman and athlete. He played tennis competitively most of his life winning many trophies along the way. In his latter years he was a frequent participant in the local Senior Olympics including a competition in Cleveland, Tennessee in May of 2001 at the age of 58 during which he brought home gold medals and silver medals in several races and the gold medal in tennis. From there he competed in the state Senior Games in Clarksville, Tennessee winning a silver and gold medals in several races while placing 4th statewide in tennis. Dr. Gilliam was also enjoyed all manner of water sports including fishing, wind surfing, sailing and motor boating. His hobbies included ballroom dancing and playing guitar.
In 2005 he invented and patented a medical traction device he called the “Neck Pro” which is still in use today.
Dr. Gilliam was known for his compassion with his patients, his quick and easy smile and his constant joking around with whoever was nearby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Kathleen Gilliam, sister, Wanda Gilliam, brother, Michael Gilliam, and wife Ada “Mac” Gilliam. Dr. and Mac Gilliam were married in June of 1999 until her passing in June of 2016. They spent their years together wintering in Florida and spending the rest of their time at home in Chattanooga.
Survivors include son, Randal and wife Christi Gilliam of McMinnville, Tennessee and their sons Garrett and Raleigh Gilliam; daughter Gina Knight of Dechard, Tennessee, and her daughters Amayla and Jaryn; and daughter Valerie Hayashi of Tullahoma, Tennessee along with her daughter and son, Valexi and Kai Hayashi; brother Keith Gilliam (Candy Casey) of Pelham, Tennessee as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will meet and greet with friends and family from 1 to 3 pm on Thursday, May 15, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Graveside service for Dr. Gilliam will follow at 3 pm on Thursday, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
