William Frank Gilliam

Ludowici GA

SSGT. William Frank Gilliam, age 53, entered into his eternal home on January 5, 2016 after an extended illness. The Arkansas native grew up understanding the importance of God, family, and country. To that end, he lived his life in accordance. SSGT. Gilliam served a career spanning more than 23 years in the United States Army. Among a list of medals, awards, and commendations was a Purple Heart he earned while serving in Iraq. Even after being combat wounded, he returned to Iraq, to serve alongside his brothers and sisters in defense of this country; ultimately to conclude with 5 total tours of duty in Iraq. Although the things he had been through in war could harden a man, William never lost track of the beauty of life. He was one that could always find humor in the least of things, even his own jokes with no apparent punch line! Everything else aside, William at heart, was a family man. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Whether it was his favorite hobby of fishing or his great enjoyment for sports; if he was with his family, he was content. He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his Father-In-Law Deacon Hope Hagan.

Left to mourn his memory is his devoted wife of 18 years, Dale Mishelle Gilliam; daughters, Oshja Alizabeth Gilliam and Frelydia Omari Gilliam both of Ludowici; step-son whom he raised as his own Andrew J. Hagan of Columbia SC; his loving parents John and Mattie Gilliam of Hamburg AR; 4 brothers, John Gilliam Jr. and Danny Lee Gilliam of Hamburg AR, Jason Gilliam and Terry (Janis) Gilliam of Crossett AR; 4 sisters Sherry (McCoy) Franklin, Cotina (Daniel) Shelton, Ykita (Harvey) Jenkins all of Hamburg AR, and Sharon (James) Green of Crossett AR; beloved mother in law, Minister Alfreda (Julian) Stevens; sister-in-law Elizabeth Hall of Hinesville, GA and brother-in-law Hope C. (Felicia) Hagan of Savannah, GA; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, relatives and U.S. Army brothers and sisters also survive.

Visitation is scheduled on Monday January 11, 2016 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Chapel of Low Country Cremation Services and Burial in Glennville GA. A home going celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. also from the funeral home chapel with the Reverend Richard G. Neal Eulogist and Reverend John Leggett officiating. Burial will follow in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the US Army.

Low Country Cremation Services & Burial is serving the Gilliam family.