Frank Gilliam

Frank Gilliam

Speedwell, TN

Frank Kenneth Gilliam, age 80, was born Nov. 29, 1930 to the late Fred G. & Carlona Sumpter Gilliam and passed away Apr. 18, 2011, as a result of acute leukemia, at his home in Speedwell, TN. Mr. Gilliam was employed 39 years with the Budd Co. in Detroit, MI as quality control supervisor retiring in 1988, after extensive travel the Gilliams retired to the East TN community of Speedwell. He served 18 months with the armed forces during the Korean Conflict serving with the 45th Infantry Thunderbirds. Frank joined the Order of Free and Accepted Masonry in Nov. 10, 1959 in Laurel Lodge # 575 and Moslem Shrine Center of Detroit. He was a member of Kerbela Shrine Center in Knoxville, TN for 23 years and associate member of Jericho Shrine Temple in Kingsport, TN. Also an active member of the Kerbela Directors Staff, Hillbilly Clan 21 - 24 and the Campbell City Shrine Clubs; He was a charter member of the Q # 138. Commissioned as a KY Colonel in 1976, member of the American Legion. He was a life member of the NRA, loved his orchard and garden and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Preceded in death by sister, Nadine Gilliam; brothers, Sebert Gilliam and Doyal Gilliam.

Survived by wife, Wanda LaVerne Toney Gilliam; daughters, Theresa Joyce Gilliam-Kelly (Markus) and Patricia Ann Poole (Donald); son, Frederick Garmon Gilliam (Lisa Ann); 3 grandchildren, Amanda Lynn Poole, Pfc. Jonathan Kenneth Poole (Sarah), and Shelby Lynne Gilliam; a special family friend, June Mabe; a host of family and friends.

Shriners Passing and Review, Masonic and funeral services will be 7:00 p.m. Thurs., Apr. 21, 2011 at Reece Valley Chapel, Harrogate, TN. Rev. Robert Owens and Ray Skiles officiating. Music by Sherry Porter. Graveside services 12:30 p.m. Fri. at John S. Gilliam Cemetery in Cumberland, KY. Military rites by VFW 5171 Cumberland, KY. Pallbearers, Charles Clawson, Ernest Combs, Michael Ridenour, Bobby Chumley, Kenneth Gilliam and Henry Shackelford. Kerbela Directors staff to serve as honorary pallbearers as well as Bennett Adkins, PP, Leroy Collins and Robert Pierce. Visitation 5-7 Thurs. Apr. 21, 2011 at Reece Funeral Home 423 869 3651 or www.reecefh.com.