William Dunn Gilliam Sr.

William D. “Bill” Gilliam, Sr., peacefully went to be with Lord on June 6, 2026, at the age of 94. Bill lived his life rooted in his faith to God, family, hard work, and service to others. The youngest of 6 siblings, he was born on August 28, 1931, in Sanford, NC; he grew into a man known for his steady strength, quiet wisdom, and kind heart. To know Bill was to know someone who could make you feel at ease—often with a warm smile and a well-timed joke.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, carrying with him a lifelong commitment to discipline, integrity, and strong work ethic.

Bill shared a deep and enduring love with his beloved wife of 60 years, Grier, who preceded him in death.

For more than 35 years, Bill dedicated himself to public education as a teacher, assistant principal, and later principal for the Virginia Beach Public Schools. In 1970, he helped open Bayside Junior High School, where he served as the inaugural principal.

Beyond the classroom, Bill had a deep love for sports. He umpired baseball games for a local association and later served as a Marshal at Kempsville Greens Golf Club.

Bill earned his BS degree in education from Guilford College and his Master’s degree from The College of William & Mary and continued his studies at the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his children, William D. Gilliam, Jr. (Carolyn), J. David Gilliam (Terry), LuAnn Kruger (David), Jeffrey W. Gilliam (Paige); 9 grandchildren, John Gilliam, Jr., Christy Brouwer, Ashley Caras, Ryan Gilliam, Ben Gilliam, Lindsey Soape, Jeffrey M. Gilliam, Johnathan Gilliam, and Will Kruger; and 14 great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by nieces and nephews that he loved dearly along with extended family and friends.

The family will receive guests from 10:00 - 11:00 am, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oaklette UMC or Trinity Hospice.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thanks” to the caregivers and medical staff with Cedar Manor and Trinity Hospice.

Finding Solace Through Golf:

Heavenly Father, in the midst of grief, we turn to the golf course—a place of shared joy and memories. As we navigate the fairways of sorrow, may the swings of remembrance bring us comfort and peace.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." — Matthew 5:4

Comfort us, O Lord, as we mourn the loss of our fellow golfer. Amen.