Born June 26, 1924 to Henry Grady Gillam and Esther Wadsworth in Gadsden, Alabama died February 16, 2012. Mr. Gillam is a graduate of Gadsden public school systems, Auburn University and the Louisiana State University School of Banking of the South.
He is a World War II veteran, having served in the European Theater (being present at the Remagan Bridge when it stood up, allowing our troops to cross the Rhine River).
Mr. Gillam joined the American National Bank in 1949. He was elected Assistant Cashier in 1951, Cashier and Vice President in 1961, and Executive Vice-President in 1968. Then President and CEO in 1979. From 1983 to 1985, he served on the Federal Reserve Board of Birmingham, and as the mid-size bank representative of the Birmingham Federal Reserve Board to the Atlanta Federal Reserve Board.
He has served as Chairman of the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church, and was former President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Director, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Gadsden Kiwanis Club. He was also a former President, Vice-President and Member of the Board of the Gadsden Country Club, a former member of the Downtown Action Council, former President of the Gadsden Concert Series, former member of the American Legion, and an SAE Fraternity member.
He served as a member of the Coosa Valley Chapter of the National Association of Accountants, the Gadsden Quarterback Club as Quarterback, Retail Credit Association of Gadsden as President. He served as County Treasurer of the American Cancer Society on two occasions. He has served on the Jacksonville State University International House Board of Trustees, the Board of the United Way, and was elected to the Board of Directors of First Federal Savings and Loan Association, which is now Southern Bank, in 1989. His love of golf and friends took him on many trips to different states' courses.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy A. Gillam, a daughter, Jean Clare Gillam Michaels and husband Willis Alexander Michaels, III, a son, Henry Grady Gillam, III and his wife, Diane Merchant Gillam, two grandchildren, Henry Grady Gillam, IV and Sarah Emory Gillam. Other family members include Catherine Donna Wadsworth, Barbara Cushing Heard and husband, Bob Heard, Jesse Lee Wadsworth and wife Linda Wadsworth, adopted family members Col. Harry Lombard and his wife Marcie Lombard.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the tender care shown Mr. Gillam during his illness by his friend, Charlie Huguley and for caregivers, Willie Jennings and Bryan Swanger. The nurses of Riverview Hospital in ICU and CCU and floors 5th and 3rd for their special care. The very special daily care by his golfing buddy, Dr. John Todd Cross, and the following physicians: Dr. Courtney Lowe, Dr. Osugee, Dr. Gary Mellick, Dr. John A. Just, Dr. K.J. Shah, Dr. V. Tummula, Dr. Lucian Newman, Jr., and Dr. Virenjan Narayan and the doctors of Rivewview E.R.
Thanks also to the wonderful nurses and caregivers of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Service.
Pallbearers: Gates Little, Hal Isbell, Gilmer Isbell, Dr. Gordon R. Isbell, III, Jason Guyton, Jack Burnette, Bryant Banks & Dave Jensen.
Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Cantrell, Paul Meloun, Charlie Huguley, Dr. Craig Cantrell, Col. Harry Lombard, Fred Taylor, Dr. Tommy Dowling, Alan Richie, James B. Little, III, Col. Tommy Cash, David Lowi, Dr. Larry Grimes, Dr. J. Todd Cross, Bob Crabtree, Alan Cohn, Tom McKenzie, George Hundley, Capt. Bob Whorton, Jim Stivender, Dick Phillips, Mrs. Joyce Parker, Robert Echols.
Mr. Gillam will be joining some dear old friends: Dr. Charles Jordan, Dr. Ralph Wilson, Dr. Herman Frank, Austin Paden Green, Don Taylor, James Inzer, Leonard Jones, and Roger Suttle, Sr. along with Gilbert Erwin, Gordon Isbell, Sr., James B. Little, Jr., and Champ Blackwood.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home & on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. until the service begins at the church. The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at First United Methodist Church with graveside service to follow at Forrest Cemetery. Rev. Roger Thompson and Rev. Tammy Jackson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 115 South 5th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901, or to the charity of your choice. Online Condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com
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