John H. Gilliam Jr.

Published 10:41 am Tuesday, November 28, 2017

John Hugh Gilliam Jr., 101, of Fredericksburg passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Mr. Gilliam was born in Farmville on Oct. 25, 1916 to the late John Hugh Gilliam and Annie Garnett Gilliam. He went to Hampton Sydney College where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Later he attended Benjamin Franklin University and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war he graduated from the Commerce School of the University of Virginia. He worked as a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve until his retirement.

Mr. Gilliam was well known as a handyman, mechanic and fixer upper. He could fix lawn mowers, watches, plumbing, cars and basically anything mechanical. Mr. Gilliam was well known in his neighborhood of Argyle Heights for volunteering his handyman skills to his neighbors.

Mr. Gilliam was well liked for his dry wit and story-telling skills. Later in life, he became a very popular resident at Heartfields at Fredericksburg. Mr. Gilliam was a member of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. He will be missed by his family and many friends over the years.

Survivors include his son, John Hugh Gilliam III and wife Elizabeth of Winston Salem, NC; grandchildren Sara Elizabeth Gilliam of Alexandria and Michael C. Gilliam of Winston Salem. Mr. Gilliam was preceded in death by his wife, Louise C. Gilliam; sister Evelyn Gilliam Holmes; and niece Anne Holmes McCoy.

A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Westview Cemetery in Farmville.

The family particularly thanks Heartfields at Fredericksburg for their wonderful care over the last few years. Additionally, we thank Mrs. Merilyn Highfill and Mr. James Reagan for their long-term friendship and help. Lastly, we thank Mary Washington Hospice for their excellent care and assistance.

Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com.