John Gilliam

GALLIPOLIS — John Gilliam, 89, Gallipolis, passed to his heavenly home at 4:25 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2017, at the Holzer Senior Care Center. Born July 2, 1928, in Orphra, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Jesse and Sylvia Pennington Gilliam.

John was a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Two years ago, John received his 50 year pin and plaque for his membership in the Centerville Lodge #371, Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio. John was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, life-time member of Post #4464 of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Gallipolis Chapter #283 of Ohio Eastern Star.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Marie Cooley Gilliam, whom he married April 21, 1956. She passed away in June, 1995. Two sons survive from this union, John S. Gilliam M.D. and David A. Gilliam PhD. Also surviving is his wife, Marcella Ann Walker Harrison Gilliam, whom he married May 25, 1996 in a beautiful outdoor wedding surrounded by family. They shared 21 joyful years together. Also surviving is a step-son, Mark L. (Cindy) Harrison and a step-daughter, Marlene T. (Fred) Childers, all of Gallipolis. Eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, five step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren also survive.

John was employed by Heidelberg Eastern for 40 years as a graphic arts equipment installer of printing presses.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2017, in the Cremeens-King Funeral Chapel, Galllipolis. Rev. Bob Powell will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Centerville Lodge #371, F. & A.M. will conduct a Masonic funeral service at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. John will be cremated and his cremains will be interred next to his first wife, Susan, in the Tyn Rhos Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in John's memory to the Grace United Methodist Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensking.com.