Bryan “Keith” Gilliam of Lexington, VA (formerly of Ruckersville & South Boston), passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 29th, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Roanoke, VA on March 11th, 1957, the son of Dabney and the late Barbara Gilliam.
Keith graduated from Halifax County High School and earned a Business Administration degree from Elon University where he was a founding father of the Sigma Pi, Epsilon Theta Chapter. He applied his passions in the precious metals recycling industry for many years, and later as a manager at a powersports dealership in Ruckersville, VA and as a butcher at Donald’s Meat Processing in Lexington, VA. His breadth of knowledge, affable personality, and love for people made him an invaluable asset to his colleagues and community, but most importantly, a dear and loyal friend.
Keith was loved deeply by many, most notably his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Above all else, Keith enjoyed spending quality time with loved ones, whether that was cheering them on at sporting events or the motocross track, cooking his signature breakfast dishes, listening and dancing to music (the Rolling Stones were a favorite), playing golf, or fishing. He developed lifelong and impactful friendships and was a proud member of his local AA group in Rockbridge County, VA. Keith also had a special bond with animals including his beloved cat, Lilly.
Keith had a remarkably optimistic nature, giving heart, and enthusiasm for life. He will be remembered for his ability to make others smile and feel unconditionally loved. Moving forward Keith’s family will carry on the motto that he embodied:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference”.
Keith Gilliam is survived by:
His Children
Tyler Keith Gilliam (Carrie) of South Carolina
Carter Ashley Richardson Gilliam of Rochelle, VA
Jordan Alyssa Richardson (Alex Bartlett) of Colorado
Justin Todd Richardson Gilliam (Elizabeth) of Boonesville, VA
Macon Payne Richardson Gilliam (Anne Lachlan) of Albemarle, VA
His Father
Dabney Thomas Poindexter Gilliam of Halifax, VA
Siblings
Kathy Gilliam Ruffin of Lexington, VA
Dexter Gilliam (Sevanne) of Halifax, VA
Four Grandchildren
Jack, Josephine, Willow, and Sawyer
A host of nieces and nephews
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Rev. Glenn Coleman officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the grave.
Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com
Arrangements are by: Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592
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