Ronald Gilliam Ronald Gilliam Ronald Gilliam
In Memory of
Ronald Martin
Gilliam
1952 -
2017

Obituary for Ronald Martin Gilliam

Ronald Martin  Gilliam
Ronald Martin Gilliam, 65, of Roanoke, was called to his eternal home on Thursday, November 2, 2017.

Born in Roanoke, Va. on Wednesday, May 7, 1952, Ron was the son of Jesse Martin Gilliam and the late Alice Engleman Gilliam. Ron graduated from Lord Botetourt High School Class of 1970, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Tech (VPI) in 1974 and Master’s Degree from Virginia Tech in 1977. Ron enjoyed several careers throughout his life: He taught at Dunbar Middle School and E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, sold real estate, delivered welding supplies for Piedmont Welding, became the owner of R & G Services in Rustburg, Va. for almost 20 years, and retired from Sonny Merryman, Inc. Ron enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, drag racing, and having debates about politics. He was a loving dad and was a devoted “Big Papaw” to his grandchildren, who will always remember him for his big bear hugs. His sense of humor and laughter was contagious.

In addition to his father, Ron is survived by his children, Julie (David) of Glasgow, and Sara (Kevin) of Moneta; his grandchildren, Kori (Wayne), Shelby (John), Erin (Cody), Mikey, Gabe, Lukas, and Derik; and great-grandchildren, Maggie, Jaxson, and James. He is also survived by his brother, Ed (Lynnda) Gilliam of Wintergreen, Va; his sister, Rosemary Bowden of Pembroke, Va., and nephews, Zeb, Nicholas, and Andy, and their families; along with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to offer a special thanks and gratitude to his devoted caregivers at North Roanoke Assisted Living for their kindness and friendship.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Grace Church located at 21129 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Virginia Tech community. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
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