Mr. Willie Albert Gilliard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Condolences are being expressed to the family of Mr. Willie Albert Gilliard, age 94, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at the Durham VA Medical Center Heroes Way Hospice Unit. Willie Albert Gilliard was born in Williamsburg County, South Carolina on May 28, 1925, to the late John Itley Gilliard and Essie Vereen Gilliard. Willie was educated in the Dillon County Schools (South Carolina) and graduated as Valedictorian of Dillon Colored High School, class of 1943. He enlisted in the US Army and was a World War II veteran. After completing his military service, he relocated to Greensboro, NC to live with an older cousin and began collegiate studies at North Carolina A&T University. Later, Willie moved to Durham to continue studies at North Carolina College (NCCU). Willie was employed as a Buyer for IBM's Research Triangle Park site and he retired in 1992. Willie was united in holy matrimony to Evelyn Rosa Jones and to this union was born one son, Kenneth Augustus Gilliard. She preceded him in death in 1972. He met and married Florence Sandra White of Raleigh in 1977 and to this union was born one son, Nicolis Albert Gilliard. He loved the Lord and worked diligently at St. Joseph. Willie would get up early on Sunday morning to pray and prepare for church and Sunday school. He took great delight in talking and fellowshipping with the brothers of the Berean Bible Class. Willie loved being in the company of his family and friends and had a beautiful smile that could warm up a room. He was kind to all and never met a stranger. Willie was a devoted husband and father. He loved to read and listen to jazz music. He was a good neighbor and loved to assist those in need. In 2006, Willie had a massive stroke which left him unable to speak and paralyzed. Although he was unable to speak to you, he greeted you with warm strong handshake. You knew he was very happy to see you. Each night we ended the day reading the Bible and our devotional books. We always gave each other a goodnight kiss and said I love you. Willie leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Florence W. Gilliard; sons, Nicolis A. Gilliard, his right hand man and caregiver of the home, Kenneth A. Gilliard (Sharlene) and Brian A. Owens; two aunts, Viola V. Lawhorn and Mozella V. Reid; one uncle, James M. Vereen; two grandchildren, Kenneth Jr. and Kristen; one great granddaughter; five brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; and a host of devoted cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. A celebration of Willie's life will be held at St. Joseph A.M.E. Church, 2521 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina, 27707 on Saturday, September 14th; Family Visitation at 11:00 a.m. and Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Jonathan C. Augustine delivering the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that contributions be made to: St. Joseph AME Church memo: Berean Bible Class

Mr. Willie Albert Gilliard

May 28, 1925 - September 8, 2019