McLaurin Briggs Gilliam Jr.

McLaurin Briggs Gilliam, Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2023. Briggs was born February 8, 1943 in Miami, Florida to the late McLaurin Briggs Gilliam, Sr. and Mattie Hazel Cunningham (Gilliam). He was a 1961 graduate of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. His parents owned and operated Gills BBQ in Ormond Beach, Florida for many years.

Briggs married the love of his life, Carol Jean, on January 25, 1964. Together they had 12 children whom they raised in Florida and North Carolina. Briggs was a graduate of Brigham Young University (BA) and Appalachian State University (MS) and went on to teach 8th grade North Carolina History at West McDowell Junior High School in Marion, NC. After retirement he and Carol purchased their dream home in Glen Alpine, NC where he kept himself very busy caring for their property.

Briggs was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he held many callings. Briggs lived a life of exemplary service. In his spare time he could often be found working on genealogy. He kept himself physically active with his love of running.

Briggs is preceded in death by his wife, father, mother and sister Jonell Brown.

Briggs is survived in death by his 12 children; Kristen Powell (Billy), McLaurin Briggs Gilliam, Jennie Gilliam, Aimee Jenkins (Scott), Robbie Gilliam (Cecilia), Adam Gilliam (Trish), Allison Gilliam, Katie Murray (Michael), Kelly Gilliam, Kendra Gilliam, Clay Gilliam, Jon Gilliam. He was also blessed with 22 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Morganton, NC. He will be laid to rest at 10 am on Saturday, April 1, 2023 in the Volusia Memorial Park in Ormond Beach, FL.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of assisting the family with local arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kirkseyfh.com for the Gilliam family.