Vernard Gilliam, Jr.

Vern M. Gilliam. Jr., 65, of Evington went to his heavenly home on Sunday morning, December 1, 2024 after seven weeks battle with pancreatic cancer with metastatic to the liver, stomach and masses at the waistline on the right side.

He was born in Lynchburg on Sunday morning, May 24, 1959, a son of Max Gilliam, Sr. and Ann Zimmerman Gilliam. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. He made a profession of faith in our Lord at the age of nine and was active in children's and youth choir, Royal Ambassadors, Muppets For Jesus, church camps and played drums in church pageants. Vern graduated from Brookville High School in 1976 where he played drums in the Brookville High School band. The Lord blessed Vern with many talents. After high school graduation he studied radiology at Central VA Community College, then decided he preferred working out of doors and started his own business, Vern Gilliam Construction Company. Vern loved his family, music and playing drums, gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking, construction and cooking (was a cook at Steak and Ale, Timberlake Rd., while attending CVCC).

In addition to his parents he is survived by his siblings: brother, Thomas (Tommy) Nelson Gilliam and wife, Coleen; sisters, Deborah (Debbie) Ann Gilliam Wright and husband, Thomas, and Pamela (Pam) Joyce Gilliam Hromco and husband, George. His nieces: Courtney Anne Hromco and Maegann Leigh Wright Murray and husband, Cameron. Nephews: Benjamin (Ben) Thomas Wright and wife, Jessica and Aaron Gilliam Wright. Great Nieces: Macie Elizabeth Wright and Wrennleigh Mae Murray. Uncle: Sherwood Nelson Zimmerman and wife, Patsy. Aunt: Brenda Gilliam Kerns and husband, Jack. Cousins: Sherrie Z. Beard and husband, Rick, S. N. (Chip) Zimmerman and wife, Lisa, Alan Harris and Tina, and Brian Harris and wife, Toni.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Beulah Baptist Church, 528 Leesville Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. 

A Celebration of Vern's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Beulah Baptist Church with Dr. Dennis Hollandsworth officiating. Inurement will be held privately at Beulah Baptist Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 or Beulah Baptist Church.

To view Vern's Celebration Of Life service on Saturday please visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeulahBaptistChurchLynchburg