Deacon John Gilliam, Sr. was born on September 15, 1935, to the late Mary Marie Moore Gilliam and Clifton Gilliam. He was preceded in death by one son: SSgt. William Gilliam, one brother: Shaunford Pennister, and one sister: Emily Johnson. Deacon Gilliam was a member of the Phillip Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a janitor, deacon and the president of the usher board in his lifetime. He also was a prayer warrior and intercessor.

He was born into eternity on December 19, 2016, at his home in Hamburg, AR, surrounded by his family and friends. He was an avid woodworker for years. One of his favorite songs were "Lord Hold My Hand While I Run This Race", by the Canton Spirituals.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

His loving and devoted wife of 62 years: Mrs. Mattie Lee Ingram Gilliam of Hamburg, AR; Four sons: John Gilliam, Jr., and Danny Gilliam of Hamburg, AR;  Terry (Janis) Gilliam and Jason Gilliam of Crossett, AR. Four daughters: Sherry (McCoy) Franklin, Ykita (Harvey) Jenkins and Cotina (Daniel) Shelton all of Hamburg AR. Sharon (James) Green of Crossett, AR. 2 brothers: J.W. Brown Sr. of Hamburg, AR and William Colbert of Urbana, AR. He had 21 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Phillip Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hamburg, AR. Burial will follow in the Phillip Grove Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Memorial Funeral Service of Crossett, AR. 

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