R.C. Gilliam, 82, entered into rest during the early morning hours of Thursday (February 8, 2018) surrounded by his loving family. R.C. was born on October 2, 1935 in Kingsport, TN to the late Christopher & Laura Gilliam.
He was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church for over 20 years. He also started “The True Faith Quartet” in 1971 along with Charles & Wayne Isley. Together, they sang in over 400 churches in five different states witnessing lots of people, both young and old being saved.
After retiring from Eastman Chemical Company after 30 years of dedicated service, R.C. began working at Crockett Ridge Golf Course, doing what he loved. R.C. was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend; he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, R.C. was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Gilliam; daughter, Debra Lawson; sister, Virginia Hubmann; brothers, Milburn Gilliam, Albert Gilliam, and Napolean Gilliam.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 24 years, Glenna Gilliam; two step-daughters, Angela Willis & husband Jeff and Vanessa Bridwell & fiancé Mack Carr; grandson, Brandon Stanbrough & wife Heather; granddaughter, Ashley Bentley & husband Matt; six step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Eleanor Short; brother, Ivan Gilliam; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family will greet guests and share memories on Saturday (February 10, 2018) from 5 to 7 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Roy Graves and Pastor David Guinn officiating. Special music will be provided by his great-granddaughter Abbey Bentley, and Tony & Becky Crawford.
R.C. will be laid to rest in the Garden of Apostles at East Lawn Memorial Park on Sunday (February 11, 2018) at 2 p.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Willis, Justin Willis, Andrew Willis, Matt Bentley, Gary Churchwell, Mack Carr and Brandon Stanbrough; Honorary pallbearer will be Bruce Townsend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Sunnyside Baptist Church c/o building fund (406 Cooks Valley Road Kingsport, TN 37664).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Wilcox Hall for all the kind and compassionate care given to R.C. during his time of need.
Online condolences may be made to the Gilliam family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Gilliam family.
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