Obituaries

Tommy Gilliam, 72, of Whitewright passed away on Friday, January 4, at his home on Old Ida Road. A service will be held at Dannel Funeral Home in the chapel on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park where the United States Air Force will render military honors. Family and friends will be greeted one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Tommy was born on September 26, 1946, in Greensboro, South Carolina, to Stephen and Jerrel Dean Gilliam. The family moved all across the country before settling in Sherman, Texas after his father retired at Perrin Air Force Base. Tommy graduated from Sherman High School and enrolled in the United States Marine Corps and served immediately in Vietnam. He received two Purple Hearts in Vietnam, was discharged and married the love of his life, Samie Kirkpatrick on July 3, 1969. Tommy then went to school and earned his Master’s Degree in Agriculture from Oklahoma University and upon completion he joined the United States Air Force where he served from 1973 until 2001. After retirement, Samie and Tommy moved back to Whitewright to be close to their family and raise their only son Jeremy Paul. Tommy was a man of integrity, honesty, and a model American. He loved the outdoors, his grandchildren, his son, and above all the Lord. He took great honor in serving his country and the highest compliment he ever received was a “thank you for your service”. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him, and the lessons he taught all of us will endure always. Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Samie, and his parents. He is survived by his son, Jeremy Paul Gilliam and wife Kalie of Whitewright; Jimmy Gilliam and wife Irina of Palestine; three granddaughters: Charlee, Ruthie, and Samie Gilliam of Whitewright; grandson, Brayden; and many nieces and nephews and friends. You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.