Jerry Gilliam

Jerry Wayne Gilliam, age 73, of Old Fort, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 2, 2016 at his residence with his loving family by his side. A native of McDowell County, Jerry was the son of the late Harry and Adell Davis Gilliam.

Jerry was a member of the Old Fort Wesleyan Church and was a retired volunteer fireman with the Crooked Creek Fire Department.  He was known as being a hard worker and enjoyed serving in his community to those in need. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Gilliam is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane Smith Gilliam; three daughters Wendy Chiappini (Chip), Donna Davis (Craig), and Becky Gilliam (Roger); two sisters Margaret Lavender, and Lois Barlowe (Ernest); also surviving Jerry are his eight grandchildren, Lauren Chiappini, Abbie Davis, Emric Gilliam, Alanna Rose Chiappini, Harrison Davis, Satia Gilliam, Gianna Chiappini, and Anaya Shelton.

A funeral service to honor Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Old Fort Wesleyan Church in Old Fort with the Reverends Ray Thomas, Richard Stanley, and Donnie Massingill officiating. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Old Fort.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.