Robert Benjamin Gilliam

Robert Benjamin Gilliam, age 31, of Richmond, departed this life on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Ben is survived by his parents, Dr. Robert Gilliam and Beverly Gilliam, his sister Mary Catherine Keiper, her husband Phillip, and nephew Henry, sister Lori Kropaczek, niece Sophia Ann Kropaczek, sister Jennifer Alexander and her husband Dr. Burton Alexander III, nephews Burton and Ryan Alexander and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ben graduated from Mills E. Godwin High School, in 2004. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University and received his degree in 2008. Ben made a positive impact on everyone he encountered and he was always up for a spirited debate. His passions included listening to music, as a devoted fan of Dave Matthews Band, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, and bonding with his companion, Charlie, his cherished golden retriever. The family will receive friends from 4 – 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Woody Funeral Home – Parham Chapel, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond VA, 23229. A memorial service will be held 6:00 pm Monday, March 13, 2017 at Woody Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training, Inc. (GRREAT) in Ben’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com