GILLIAM, William “Bill” was born in Stanton, Tennessee on January 5, 1947. He graduated from Carver High School in Brownsville, Tennessee and later moved to Dayton, Ohio. He was baptized at a young age and was a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Stanton, Tennessee and later became a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Layman and Trustee until his death. William was married to Dorothy for over 51 years, and has (2) children, Vivian Mays (Troy) and Darryl Gilliam. William has (2) granddaughters, Keithsha and Kiara Mitchell and a great-granddaughter, Danielle Young. He worked at GH&R foundry until their closure, and retired from Flowserve as a skilled Welder. William was a handyman for all that asked and would help anyone that asked. Anyone that knew William, knows that he was an avid fisherman and he loved his boat. He has traveled over the country and to Canada fishing and boating for hours at a time. The one thing that he wanted to do in Heaven is to have a little piece of dirt to play in. William is survived by: wife, Dorothy Gilliam; daughter, Vivian (Troy) Mays; son, Darryl Gilliam; siblings: Diane Wheeler, Carolyn (Lawrence), Benjamin (Melvina) Gilliam, Lendor (Gregory) Hagans, Bernard (Alvin) Dowell, and Maxine (Jerry) Sanders; granddaughters, Keithsha Mitchell, Kiara Mitchell and great granddaughter, Danielle Young, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends, including a special cousin, Warren Johnson. William departed this life on February 22, 2020. He is preceded in death by his father, Willie C Gilliam; mother, Lillie J Gilliam; sister, Silivia G Gilliam and a brother, Willie C. Gilliam. The family of William Gilliam wishes to thank Dayton Physicians Network, Hospice of Dayton and Thomas Funeral Home. . Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., SATURDAY, February 29, 2020 at CANAAN MBC, 5191 Hoover Ave. Dr. Joseph L. Coleman, Pastor. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment: Shiloh Park Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 4520 Salem Ave. On-line condolences may also be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com