Otis Mathews Gilliam III

To Otis Gilliam's family,

I am so sorry about your father and I know you must miss him terribly. He and I were friends way back at Crystal Spring Elementary. He had a serious accident and was hospitalized for a long time. It was the first time I really understood that it was possible to lose a friend as young as Otis. I was so worried that we would lose him but we didn't -- eventually, he was fine.

A bit later, Otis and I traded disks (those silver medallions with our...

Dear Mary Margaret & Andrew,

I often think fondly of your dad, Otis, who I call simply "O" or "Big O". Like Bill Wimmer, "O" & I played North Cross sports together and as seniors we were particularly close on the football field. I was the kicker & he was my holder and "O's" very good buddy, Tim Shepherd was our center. In our last game as seniors we played Floyd County High (a school 10 times bigger than NC). We won the game by 1 point (14-13) as Tim snapped the ball to your dad,...

I'm so very sorry to learn of Otis' passing. I had the great pleasure to instruct Otis in flying a Beech Bonanza (N3702Q) many years ago. Otis was a very good pilot and I enjoyed his company and flying with him. Otis had many friends at the airport and will always be missed.

Extending my deepest sympathy and condolances to his family.

Bob Reed, Roanoke, VA

Growing up, I spent almost as much time in the Gilliam home as I did in my own. My sorrow is tempered only by the flood of good memories I have of George. He had a giant heart. I had moved away just as he was starting his family, but my thoughts are with you all.

I remember when George, my brother Bob, & I would pitch a tent in the back yard & eat Spring onions straight out of the garden. Another special time was when we were lead thru the woods in the Fall looking for candy & seeing the ghost (Butch) running ahead of us & the grapevine broke sending one of us down the hill ! Later in years came the daiquiri experiments in the Gilliam kitchen.
I pray that you'll find Peace,Strength & Comfort in the memories that
you have of him.
Diane...

I am so saddened to learn of Otis' death. He and I were childhood friends and went on to play basketball and football at North Cross together. Otis always had a smile ready, and saw the humor in just about everything. I'll miss you, Otis.

Mary Margret and Andrew, I spent a lot of time with your Dad when I was a child. He was good friends with my Mother and she introduced your Mom to him. I always remember him to be full of laughter and that he loved life. I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hello to Otis's Family from a high school friend, My name is Ginny and Otis was a good friend at North Cross. I am very sorry to hear of his passing on to the other side. We did not keep in touch after 1969 but to learn that Otis has died is very sad for me and I know you must be devastated. Words don't come easy to express how I feel so let me just say I am very sorry for your loss.
Respectfully, ...