Timothy Lynn Gilliam, 70, of Celeste passed away on August 5, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home with Mr. Jody Burch officiating. Burial will follow in Celeste Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Tim was born on September 13, 1950, to R. C. Gilliam and Billie Robinson in Fannin County, Texas. Tim married the love of his life Vicki Lynn Saye on October 23, 1971, in Celeste, Texas. Tim was retired from Proctor and Gamble.
Tim is survived by his loving wife Vicki of Celeste, son Dob Gilliam, son and daughter in law Brandon Gilliam & Kelly, son and daughter in law Nick Gilliam & Teresa, son and daughter in law Joe Gilliam & Ashley, mother Billie Gilliam, brother and sister in law Ryon Gilliam & Melanie, sisters Marsha Godwin & husband Larry, Janet Gilliam & husband, sisters in law Suzanne Cranfill & husband Wes, Cathy Godwin & husband Jared, and grandchildren Amanda & Royce Barrington, Whitney Gilliam, Mary Gilliam, Barrett Hopson, Jack Hopson and Gracie Jo Gilliam.
Tim Gilliam was a loving father and devoted husband. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren. Oh ,how he loved his grandchildren. He was always entertaining the people around him with his quick wit and practical jokes. He was a gifted story teller, however, sometimes, he never had to say a word because his facial expressions told it all.
He graduated from Celeste High School where he was an exceptional athlete. He played basketball, football, and tennis, exceling in all three. He loved being a Blue Devil and he loved going to the games watching his boys grow up to be Blue Devils, as well.
His professional career was working for Proctor and Gamble where he worked in the plant making many long lasting friendships. His co-workers admired him for being a team player, supportive co-worker, and dedicated employee. He retired from P&G Folgers in 2005.
He started the Kingston Music Revue in 1983 at Kingston Community Center. Due to the success of booking many upcoming entertainers and artist, he moved the venue to downtown Celeste and renamed it the Celeste Opry. With his vision and dedication, the Celeste Opry became a staple in the community with it being the place to be on Saturday nights. Most of the Celeste community grew up watching the Gilliam family entertain with there not being a seat left in house. Tim was known in the Opry circuit and in the music industry for running the best Opry in our area. He enjoyed telling stories of all the acts he played with and brought to the community.
Tim loved listening to classic country music, playing the guitar, watching sports & westerns, and going on hunting adventures with his boys. He was a member of the Church of Christ and shared his love of the Lord by being a faithful servant and an example of Christ to everyone around him.
He was loved by everyone who had the pleasure to know him and will be missed.
Pallbearers will be Richard Martin, Jeremy Sims, Scott Hicks, Aaron Yoquelet, Brent Lyday and Pete Garner. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Saye, Phil Barker, Kenny Sumrow, Bob Barnard and Fred Felty.
The family would like to thank Family First Hospice of Greenville, Texas, for their dedication and professionalism while taking care of Tim.