Wade Gilliam

On January 28, 2015, Wade Gilliam was called home to be with his Lord at the age of 97. He was born on December 30, 1917 in Freestone County, to Robert Stanley and Ida Bell Gilliam. After graduating from Donie High School in 1934, he attended Draughon Business College in Dallas, Texas. Upon completion of a business administration course, he went to work with Sherwin-Williams Company, which began a 44-year-long career until his retirement in 1981. Wade served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy and his service aboard the U.S.S. Cleveland introduced him to lifelong friends. After returning from the war, he met the love of his life, Effie Jean Cobble. The two were married on April 2, 1948 while living in Lubbock, Texas. He was a proud member of the Knights of Pythias and the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan as well as a Master Mason. Wade was also active in the Broadmoor Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, where he and Jean made their home for almost 20 years before moving to the Dallas area. Wade is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean Gilliam, who held him in her arms as he passed from this world; two loving daughters, Judy Gilliam Ward & Sonya Jean Gilliam both of Richardson, TX; his sister, Bobby Huffman of Austin, TX; his sister-in-laws, Beulah Gilliam of Donie, TX and Lucille Gilliam of San Angelo, TX; his brother Glyn Gilliam and his wife, Martha, of Graham, TX and half sister Robbie Faught of San Angelo, TX. His grandchildren Jennifer Scheland and her husband Greg of Bartlesville, OK; Jordan Powell and his wife Angaleena of Nashville, TN, and Lindsey Stewart of Charleston, S.C. Wade was the proud great-grandfather to William Wade Scheland, Andrew Parker Scheland, John Hayden Scheland and Jed Robert Locke, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Stanley Gilliam Sr. and Ida Bell Gilliam; his brothers, Noel Dwayne Gilliam, Cloner Gilliam & Robert Stanley Gilliam, Jr.; and his sisters, Adrid Bell, Vernice Strawn and Gay Mew. Wade was a loyal and dedicated husband and father and was a faithful man whose quiet kindness and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral service and interment will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Union Cemetery, Freestone County with Pastor Barry Boatright officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, Mexia, TX. Pallbearers will be Bob Bell, Joe Ed Strawn, Bill Strawn, Dwain Gilliam, Steve Gilliam, John Gilliam, Rick Huffman and Russell Gilliam. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.