Jeffrey Howard Gilliam

Jeffrey Howard Gilliam, age 52, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina following a lifelong battle with spina bifida.  Born in Los Angeles, California on August 22, 1967, he was the son of Aaron “Boe” Gilliam of Black Mountain, North Carolina and the late Billie West Wheeler. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Tami Gilliam Fox.

Although Jeffrey had fought spina bifida for his entire life, he overcame the disabilities he faced and he never let it hold him back.  Even though he was unable to ride, he was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and could tell you the history of Harley Davidson.  Having had a big heart and never met a stranger, Jeffrey was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a special place in his heart for dogs. 

Mr. Gilliam is survived by, in addition to his father, his loving wife of 17 years, Patti Ducharme-Gilliam; one god daughter, Kaitlyn Sikkema; one sister, Betty Boles (Steven Vanover); one brother, Aaron M. Gilliam; a number of nieces and nephews; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Laurie Ducharme, Lori and Zach Dvizac and Jeff Ducharme. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion with Rev. Tony Lunsford officiating.  Interment will follow at Cherry Springs Memorial Park in Old Fort.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider, the Gilliam family, 2170 Rutherford Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.