Obituary of Jesse Martin Gilliam, Jr.

Jesse Martin Gilliam, Jr. 92 of Hollins went home to be with the Lord on Sunday July 8, 2018. His wife, Alice Engleman Gilliam, a son, Ronald M. Gilliam, 2 brothers, Ford and Hugh Gilliam and a sister, Nancy Rice, preceded him.

Mr. Gilliam served proudly in the United States Army during WWII. He is a graduate of Douglas Aircraft Factory School of Advanced Aeronautics and General Electric’s School of Jetisoned Engines and received his pilots rating at Hicks-Kesler Flying School at Woodrum Field. He was a Roanoke City Police Officer before working for Home Lumber building cabinets. He enjoyed making cabinets, and he started his own company called the Hollins Cabin Shop. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church for many years. During his retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and his gardening, growing flowers and vegetables. He was a member of the American Legion Victory Post 248.

Surviving are his children Edwin L. Gilliam and wife Lynnda of Wintergreen, Rosemary Bowden of Pembroke; five grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren. Along with a brother, Burleigh Gilliam and wife Phyllis of Arcadia.

The family would like to thank the Virginia Veterans Care Center for all their care and support of Mr. Gilliam.

A funeral service will be held 12:00pm Wednesday July 11, 2018 at Simpson Funeral Home with Rev. Troy Mays officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Family will receive friends from 11:00am until service time at the funeral home Wednesday.