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Ben Gilliatt Obituary
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Hattie Nix Gilliatt.
Ben graduated Shelby High School in 1960, where he played trumpet in the band. He attended Duke University and received his undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University, where he first experienced skydiving. He obtained his law degree from Tulane Law School, his New Orleans experience, and his MBA from Columbia University.
Ben began his working career in international finance in New York, Chicago, where he enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan, and Geneva, Switzerland. Ben loved the experiences and pleasures of travel he had during his career. He returned to Shelby in 1992 and served as an attorney in private practice. He was a member of the Cleveland County Bar. He enjoyed golf, skiing and refereeing baseball while in Geneva.
Ben is survived by his brother, Dr. Lee Gilliatt and wife Helen of Shelby; nephew, Nathan Gilliatt and wife Adrienne and their son Alex of Apex; niece, Sandra Cook and husband Chris and their sons Casey and Trevor of Mechanicsville, Va. Ben leaves many grateful clients as well as his special friends David and Ella Beach and Ray Daigle.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory. At other times the family will be at the home of Dr. Lee and Helen Gilliatt.
Celebration of life service: 2 p.m. Sunday in the Webb Chapel of First Baptist Church
Officiated by: The Rev. Tony Tench
Burial: Will follow in Sunset Cemetery.
Funeral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Memorials: May be made to Young Life Cleveland County, P O Box 1757, Shelby, NC 28151.
Guest Registry: www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Gilliatt
Domingo F. Stern
February 20, 2022
Dear Ben
"Those we love don´t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear"
Domingo Stern
July 3, 2014
Dear Ben
We are going to miss your calls for each and every birthday, anniversary.
Love you
Domingo
Carlos Stern
July 2, 2014
We just found out today when my father Domingo Stern tried to send Ben an e-card for his Birthday. We will miss you very much and remember your great company and cheerfulness, your wonderful cooking, your crazy sense of humor and the adventures in the Alfa Romeo convertible in Geneva. You are an inspiration for overcoming any disability.
We love you dearly,
The Stern Family
David Settle
March 4, 2014
So sorry to hear of the lost of such a great customer. Always a pleasure to work with Ben.
James,Christine Christakes
March 1, 2014
Ben will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man. He would give the shirt off his back. No matter what time of the day it was he always had an ear to listen to you.
Dan Kinne
March 1, 2014
So sorry to hear the news. Many fond memories of times with Ben in Geneva. Always a class act.
Bart Bartok
March 1, 2014
Always the international man of mystery, Ben was a good man, generous of time and spirit. He could talk the ears off a brass rabbit.
March 1, 2014
Our deepest condolences to Ben's family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Rob Cannon and Alice Vowles
Timothy Geer
March 1, 2014
To Ben's family,
Many thanks for sharing Ben with us here in Geneva. A good friend, a great softball umpire, and many good memories. Peace to you all.
James Buckerfield
March 1, 2014
Ben will never be forgotten, but always remembered kindly by those who knew him.
Penny & Charlie Tirado
March 1, 2014
Dear Helen, Lee, Sandy, Nathan and all those that surrounded Ben in his final days. Ben will be remembered with love. Know that his spirit lives on and many here remember him with fondness. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our prayers.
Nicholas Street
February 28, 2014
Dear Gilliatt Family,
I am very sorry to learn of Ben's death. He had a great spirit in life, and that spirit will endure. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nick Street
Marsha Bristow
February 28, 2014
Ben was a true friend to his dear friends David and my sister, Ella. I will forever be grateful for the love, support, and friendship he showed them. They were a true chosen family for one another.
Ann Anderson
February 28, 2014
Dear Lee and Helen, We are so sorry for your loss. May God bring you mercy, love and peace during this time.
Allan and Ann Anderson
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Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC 28150-4208
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