Jeffery Dean Gilliam
Jeffery Dean Gilliam, 54, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
He was born on Aug. 7, 1968, at Women’s Hospital in Chattanooga to Carolyn and Jerry Gilliam.
Jeff gave his heart to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a young man and played the drums for over three years at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Greenwood Baptist Church. He was a member of the 1986 class of Central High School and previously attended Ooltewah High School.
Jeff was an avid sports fan who loved watching his favorite teams with friends and family. He was a passionate TN Vols fan and attended countless Vols games over the years. Jeff’s sense of humor was second to none. He was gifted with making everyone in the room laugh with his quick wit and hilarious storytelling. Jeff was a talented professional painter who was previously employed by Douglas Design and Volunteer Painting.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Dean Gilliam; paternal grandparents, Joe Lear Gilliam and Katherine Worley Gilliam; maternal grandparents, Frank L. Harden and Ora Starnes Harden.
Loved ones left to cherish Jeff’s memory include his devoted son Jeffery Tyler Gilliam of Harrison; mother, Carolyn Harden Gilliam of Ooltewah; many aunts, uncles and cousins including his favorite cousin Andall Burke who was more like a brother to Jeff; Angel Peel, Kelsey Creek, special nephew Kolbi Reed, Jhordan Baldwin, former wife Joy Gilliam-Tate and Jeff’s best friend Kristi Hooker.
Jeff loved his family dearly and he will be greatly missed by countless family members and friends. We will keep his spirit and laughter alive until we meet again one day.
A memorial service will be held at the Harrison Ruritan Club at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, with David Ferguson, Sr. officiating.
Please share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.