Willie James Gilliam

Willie J. Gilliam (Bobby), 71, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on December 24, 2016. Bobby was born in Stanton, Tennessee on December 10th 1945. Bobby turned his life over to Christ at the age of 12 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Mason Tennessee. He graduated from Gaylord High School in Mason Tennessee and joined the Airforce upon graduation. He served his time and was Honorably Discharged. Bobby was married to Shirley for 40 years. Bobby worked on the line for Detroit Diesel Automotive Plant for 30 years. He enjoyed working at Meijer as a greeter. Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Willie C. and Lillie J. Gilliam and sister, Sylvia G Gilliam. Bobby is survived by his wife, Shirley Gilliam; son, Willie J. Gilliam Jr.; daughters, Gwendolyn Gilliam and Audrey Gilliam (Tracey) Ramey; step-children Roy (Le) Henderson and Beverly (Danny) Meyer; brothers and sisters, William (Dorothy) Gilliam, Diane Wheeler, Carolyn (Lawrence) Young, Benjamin (Melvina) Gilliam, Lendor (Gregory) Hagans, Bernard (Alvin) Dowell, Maxine (Jerry) Sanders, and special former son-in-law, John Jackson, as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on December 30th at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering, OH 45439. John Jackson of Revelations Missionary Baptist Church will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm at the funeral home for friends. Burial will follow funeral services at Miami Valley Memory Gardens Chapel. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Newcomer Funeral Home. Flowers may be delivered to Newcomer Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank Newcomer's funeral home.