William C. Gilliam, 79, of Lancaster Street, Marietta, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loved ones at Marietta Memorial Hospital on Wednesday (Nov. 26, 2008). He was born July 4, 1929 in Newport News, Va., to the late Ned Carrol Gilliam and Dorothy Gregory Gilliam. He was employed at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. from 1947 to 1950 before enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving as an Intercept & Research Analyst at the Pentagon during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in1955, he pursued an education at California Polytechnic, studying Aeronautical Engineering. He returned to the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. in 1958 where he worked for several years as a Senior Model Maker. He transferred to Marietta in 1967 after accepting a position at Dravo-Connex Corp. until his retirement. Known as "Mr. G" or "Grandad" by many, he had many interests, including building and flying model planes, hunting, fishing, boating, military history and researching sea vessels. He also loved his milkshakes, Popular Mechanics and taking walks downtown. He is survived by his two daughters, Wanda J. Brown and Dawn K. Gilliam, one son, Billy Gilliam (Beth), their mother, Gerri Gilliam, and his granddaughter Ashley M. Halligan, whom he raised, all of Marietta. Other survivors include grandchildren Samantha, Megan, Justin, Kristin, Stacey and Jessica; two sisters, Joyce (Mark) Matte and Dorothy Poplawski, both of Yorktown, Va.; one sister-in-law, Lois Nixon Gilliam, of Williamsburg, Va.; several great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, "Pup". He was preceded in death by one brother, Jack B. Gilliam; a brother-in-law, Ed Poplawski; and his cat, "Pud". Those fortunate enough to have known him, know that he represented the epitome of unconditional love, sincerity and integrity. He will be deeply missed by many. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with the Rev. Seth Wymer officiating, followed by Full Military Honors. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association of West Virginia or to Parkinson's Research. Cawley & Peoples Funeral Homes offers on-line condolences by visiting their Web site, www.cawleyandpeoples.com
