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David Gilliam Obituary
June 29, 2025
David Larry Gilliam, 82, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025. As a lifelong resident of the area, Larry attended Lynn View High School, earned his Bachelor's degree from Carson-Newman College, and later received a Master's in Environmental Health from East Tennessee State University. He dedicated 37 years of service to the State of Tennessee before retiring. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Brenda, and they celebrated over 62 years of marriage. He loved the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed observing scenery and wildlife and going hunting. Larry was a fan of college football, and cheered for the Vols. He loved visiting national parks with his family, especially Yellowstone. Above all, Larry loved his family dearly and supported them in all their activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Ruth Gilliam; infant sister; father and mother-in-law, Roy Crabtree and Ruth Gregory and her husband Bill; daughter-in-law, Angela Gilliam; sister-in-law, Karen Woodring and husband Jim; and brother-in-law, Doug Hinson.
Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda Gilliam; children, Dennis Gilliam, Chris Gilliam (Leslie), Jeff Gilliam (Monica), and Jon Gilliam (Saundra); grandchildren, Brandie, Seth (Sarah), Ethan (Kasey), Jacob (Morgan), Trevor (Lexi), Logan, Evan (Kaela), Mattie Kate, Matthew and Denton; great-grandchildren, Mason, Ella, Liam, Charlotte, Slate, Elias, Ezra, Hadlee, Easton, Thor, Ruthie, Hazel, Evren, and Raven; siblings, Faye Nottingham (Ben) and Janie Hinson; sister-in-law, Dallas Tyree (Bob); brother-in-law, Mike Gregory (Marilyn); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.
Graveside services will follow at 12 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Pastor David Poore officiating.
Pallbearers will be grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Colonial Heights United Methodist Church and/or McFerrin United Methodist Church.
Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home - Kingsport117 E. Charlemont Avenue PO Box 27, Kingsport, TN 37662
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