Hayward Gilliam

Hayward Gilliam November 8, 1932-August 3, 2025 Hayward Gilliam, 92, passed away on August 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings as well as a son, William Ray Gilliam; grandson, David Rheaume; and son-in-law, Dennis Chisholm. Mr. Gilliam grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia as the youngest of his siblings. He left to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War where among many honors, he earned a Purple Heart and the Silver Star for valor in combat during the Hadong Ambush. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Gilliam relocated to Michigan where he worked for Chrysler until he retired and returned to Big Stone Gap. He was a member of the Irondale Faith Baptist Church for more than 30 years. Throughout his retirement, Mr. Gilliam honored his fellow veterans by participating in thousands of military funerals with local Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Korean War Veterans organizations. In 2018, Mr. Gilliam was recognized by the Virginia VFW State Commander for his service in over 3500 military funerals. Mr. Gilliam is survived by his sons Hayward Gilliam, Jr. (Sheryl) and Frederick Gilliam (Jeanette) and his daughters Sheila Rheaume (Joseph), Tammy Chisholm (Dennis), Sarah Gilliam, and Charlene Gilliam. Additionally, he is survived by his children’s siblings: Connie Guntle (Johnny), Bonnie Byington (John), and Peter Rayl (Mary). Mr. Gilliam also leaves behind his grandchildren: Andy Rheaume (Candice), Melissa Rotary (Nick), Jayme Gilliam, Cody Chisholm, Bradley Gilliam (Abby), Nora Gilliam, Randi Morningstar (Dan), Jarred Gilliam (Candace), Taylor Gilliam (Taylor), Jonathon Guntle (Vicki), and Nolan Burrill. His great-grandchildren are Joslyn Rheaume, Gus Rheaume, Conner Gilliam, Ellie Rotary, Nick Rotary, Louis Maroun, and Hayes Gilliam. Lastly, Mr. Gilliam is survived by his beloved dog, Rex, and his dear friends and fellow veterans, Carl Wade and Jimmy Harding. The Gilliam family would like to thank everyone who looked out for and cared for Mr. Gilliam in his final years, especially his friends and neighbors on Poplar Hill, Dr. Souhail Shamiyeh and the staff of the Norton Veterans’ Clinic, Ruby Sanders of the local Department of Veterans’ Services, Earline Lewis and the staff of Intrepid Home Health, Nancy Miller and the staff of Holston Rehabilitation, the staff of Gentiva Hospice, and Chrissie Hall, his personal caregiver. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap on Thursday, August 7, 2025. A Funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Tom McNeil presiding. Mr. Gilliam will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Holdings will coordinate this final resting place, and update at a later time. An honor guard service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Holding Funeral Home (17 E. 3rd St. N. Big Stone Gap) the local D.A.V. and V.F.W. with whom he served many years will conduct the local military honors. Anyone who knew Mr. Gilliam is well aware that he liked to pinch his pennies. He explicitly stated that he did not want flowers at his funeral because they’re a waste of money. We’ll gladly put them out if you send them, but if you hear a lawn mower in the middle of the night, that’s on you. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Mr. Gilliam’s life and military service make a donation to the Big Stone Gap chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, (4530 WIlson Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.) An online registry is available for the family at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Hayward Gilliam

November 8, 1932 - August 3, 2025

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