of London, AR
April 17, 1926 - October 9, 2021
Henry Byars Gilliam, Jr. entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 9, 2021 at 95 years of age. Henry was born April 17, 1926, in Searcy to H. B. and Fannie Rogers Gilliam. He was a resident of London, Arkansas and a deacon of London First Baptist Church.
Henry trusted the Lord and was saved during a revival when he was in the ninth grade. He was a man of great faith who enjoyed reading his Bible and prayed for others each day. Henry loved talking to people and was always ready to tell others about Jesus. His prayers in later years always included people in hospitals and nursing homes as well as the workers taking care of the residents. He was quick to thank the Lord for His grace and love.
Henry was a highly decorated veteran of WWII, having served with the 1st Squadron 12th Cavalry in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received a Combat Infantryman's Badge and a Bronze Star among other awards. After the war ended, Henry received training and worked as an expert tool and die maker until his retirement.
Henry was an avid fisherman and knew the best fishing areas. He usually caught his limit of crappie within the first few hours of fishing. With an excellent memory for detail, he shared many stories of his life: as a boy working on the farm and playing baseball, his service in WWII, delivering Yarnell's ice cream, working in tool and die shops, and of course, fishing. He was also inventive and enjoyed making objects. He created a knife out of a leaf spring from a 78 Chevy pickup and made his own brush cutter by improving a string trimmer with baling wire.
At church, Henry was known as the ''Candy Man.'' He passed out bubblegum and candy to everyone, young or old. Henry loved people and actively looked for ways to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 33 years, Hazel Langley Gilliam; one brother, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.
Henry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dolores A. Gilliam; one stepdaughter Karen Roe and husband Kirby of Jonesboro; special nieces Jeannie Smith of Searcy and Ginger Collie of Beebe and great-niece Susan Cosola (Frank) of Leona Valley, California; Danny and Teresa Green of London; other family members and a host of friends.
Memorials contributions may be made to the building fund at London First Baptist Church or to AR Hospice River Valley Home of Russellville (Please select "Russellville Service Area" in the drop-down menu under Designations and Instructions)
Sign Guestbook
8 Condolence(s)
Patricia Blaha
Sunday, October 17, 2021
We met this wonderful Christian couple plus Karen
and Kirby in 1987 when
we lived in London, AR
by the lake.
We had many, many fun
times “rattin around†flea
markets and antique shops.
Henry B was only 3 months
older than my husband Paul
who always enjoyed calling
Henry B “old manâ€.
Many memories to cling
to for sure.
Will miss you Henry B
until we meet againðŸ™ðŸ»
Jerry and Shellene Linker
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Bro. Henry was a wonderful man, so kind and sweet to everyone. There was never a finer christian man. He so loved all of his church family, especially the little children. He truly spread the Gospel to all that he met. We will miss him.
Butch Dickens
Friday, October 15, 2021
Worked with Henry for 16 years, Penny Plate, in Searcy, Arkansas. He was a great guy and I was proud to have him as a friend. We attended masonic lodge together. He gave my oldest daughter a Shetland pony. We talked on the phone several years ago. He invited me to have coffee with him the next time he was in Searcy. So sorry that didn't happen. He will be missed.
Mark and Brooke Taylor
Friday, October 15, 2021
Bro. Henry was such a blessing to so many. Brooke and I have such wonderful memories of he and Dolores at London Baptist Church. He was at every function the church ever had serving in some way. He will be missed. Prayers for the family as well as the church family he left behind.
Mark and Brooke Taylor
Charlotte Magee
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Mr. Henry was such a blessing to everyone he met!! So kind and loving!!! He will be missed tremendously!!!!
Nan G. Cosby
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
My neighbor, my friend, my deacon, my most favorite story teller! I will be forever grateful to Henry and Dolores. They have given me precious memories that will last a life time.
LORI A MELTON
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Mr. Henry was a sweet sweet soul. My children grew up in church and looked for him after service for that piece of bubble gum! He loved the little children. He will be missed very much.
May God be with you and give you comfort.
Susan Cosola
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
My Uncle Junior (as I called him) was such a blessing to me. Being a city girl from California, I loved my trips to Arkansas to stay in the country to catch fireflies and play with ponies. My uncle taught me many wonderful things and to him I am eternally grateful.