Elzie Gilliam

Rev. Elzie Gilliam NORTHPORT Rev. Elzie Gilliam, age 89, of Northport, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 1, 2012. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sulphur Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Samantha with Rev. Michael Oliver, Rev. Gregg Allen, Rev. Rick Taylor, and Rev. Jackie McAteer officiating. Burial will follow in Sulphur Springs Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucius and Trannie Gilliam; his three sisters, Gertie Wells, Lyda Maddox, and Thelma Sellers; infant son; daughter-in-law, Cathy Gilliam; and grandson, Jason Gilliam. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Meredith (Rick) Watson; daughters, LaWanda Williamson (Ricky) and Celia Yerby (Joe); sons, Wade Gilliam (Kathy), Wayne Gilliam (Anabel), and Wally Gilliam (Melissa); sisters, Eulene Nuckols (Art) Core Haygood (William), and Wilma Townsend (Harlen); brothers, J.C. Gilliam (Barbara); 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Elzie was born on June 24, 1923 in Tuscaloosa County. He served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Theaters during World War II. He retired from B.F. Goodrich, was a part-time farmer, and spent 40 years in the ministry. He loved and was loved by his congregations. He loved his Lord and was faithful to Him. Elzie worked hard for his family and showed his love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved and appreciated all his in-laws. He will be missed greatly by all. "We will see you in Heaven!"� Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jimmy Gilliam, Randy Jackson, Timmy Gilliam, Cole Gilliam, Anthony Gilliam, and Ryan Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Bro. Jerry Montgomery, Allen and Cathy Brom, Harold and Louise Vintson, Terrell Jones, special friends, Kenny Gilliam, Jackie McAteer, friends of New Lexington community, Samantha community, Sulphur Springs Free Will Baptist Church family, DCH ICU staff, 5th Floor DCH staff, and Hospice of West Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sulphur Springs Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery or Building Fund or Hospice of West Alabama.