Community Obituaries

Roy Lee Gilliam, Jr., passed away suddenly on July 30, 2024 at the age of 64. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Roy L. Gilliam and the late Frances Elaine Gilliam.

Roy lived in Simpsonville, South Carolina with the love of his life Elizabeth (Beth) Lamm Gilliam. They shared a wonderful life together and raised two amazing children, Roy Lee Gilliam, III (Lee) and Lauren Elizabeth Gilliam who survive him. Other survivors are his sister; Elaine McKaughan (Mark) and niece, Jodie McKaughan; mother-in-law, Dianne Edwards Smyrl (Alfred), and brother-in- law John A. Lamm Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jodie G. Gilliam.

Roy saw the good in others and had a positive impact on so many lives. He was a great leader and very successful in his career in the Automotive Sales Industry for thirty eight years. He devoted thirty two of those years to Dick Smith Automotive Group. As a General Sales Manager, he was a talented and excellent motivational speaker who was passionate about helping others see their full potential.

Roy relied on God for all things and prayed for his family and friends on a daily basis. He was a loyal husband and family man. Roy always told his wife Beth, of thirty eight years, that she still looked the same as the day they met. He told her he loved her from the moment they met. Their love will last for eternity.

Roy`s children, Lee and Lauren are forever grateful for the stable life and upbringing he provided for them. Providing a college education was one of his proudest accomplishments. Roy loved the Gamecocks and said he became an Alabama fan by default because of all the money he sent up there. He had a great sense of humor.

Roy had a lot of hobbies. He would wake up at 5:30 am and read for two and a half hours before work. He read his favorite book, the Bible, front to back two times and was in the middle of reading it for the third time. He played chess on his Nook at expert level and did crossword puzzles often – he said to “keep his brain sharp.” He enjoyed watching the Braves and was a true Dallas Cowboys` fan. Golf was always a game he wanted to get back into. He enjoyed spending time with our family pets Leo and Tucker.

My dad, Roy Gilliam, will never be forgotten. He will stay with us in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace with the Almighty God whom he loved dearly.

Roy was laid to rest at 11:00 am on August 2, 2024 at the Edwards Family Cemetery located at 3131 Green Rd., Spring Hope, NC. A memorial service celebrating Roy`s life will be held in Greenville, South Carolina at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Simpsonville/Upstate Church in Roy`s memory, fbcsimpsonville.org

Online condolences may be made to www.springhopefh.com