Obituary of Gerry Lee Gilliam

Obituary of Gerry Gilliam Loving Father, Esteemed Businessman, Dedicated Man of God are just a few words that describe Gerry Gilliam who went from his earthly labor to his heavenly reward on Monday, August 18th in Dallas, Texas. He was 56 years old. Gilliam was born in Joanna, South Carolina and lived in Texas for over thirty years. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Gilliam owned G&G Protection, a well-known security company that provides protection for private and public entities throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In the last few years, G&G Protection provided security at the XLV Super Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, "Taste of Dallas," Omni Hotel, and several businesses around the DFW Metroplex. In February 2014, Gilliam was honored by WFAA Channel 8 and the Black Chamber of Commerce as a "Quest for Success Award" Recipient. The Quest for Success Award has represented the highest form of recognition for African American entrepreneurship and community service. Gilliam loved the Lord and was a hard worker not only for his business but also for his church. He was a long time member of Christian Chapel Temple of Faith C.M.E. Church, and also fellowshipped with Greater Allen A.M.E and Carter Temple C.M.E. churches. He supported and contributed time, talent and treasure to both church and community organizations. He was revered as a big brother and father figure in the church as well as the community. Gilliam believed in helping people and employed church members and others in the community to work in his company. He had a heart of compassion and was committed to serving and supporting others. Gilliam was a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity where his fraternity brothers affectionately called him "Heavy Low." He was affiliated with Theta Alpha Chapter where he has served as assistant keeper of records, Seals, Achievement Week and Retention Chair. Gilliam was also a lifetime member of the Irving-Carrollton Branch NAACP and served as Membership chair and First Vice-President of the chapter. He also served as a voting delegate in his neighborhood precinct for the Presidential election. Gilliam received several awards for community service and business achievements. These awards include the Black Contractors Small Business award, 2014 Dallas Black Chamber Of Commerce Quest for Success Award, 2010 NAACP Presidential Award, Theta Alpha Omega Psi Phi 2009 Founders Award, 2012 Omega Man of the Year and Minority Enterprise Development Week 2009. Gilliam loved his family so much and truly believed family is everything and with God anything is possible. Everyone knew that Gilliam's daughters were "Daddy's girls." He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mattie Gilliam; a sister, Dr. Liz Bell; and a brother, George Gilliam Jr. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 27 years Joan Gilliam; daughters Reniqua and Gerreka and grand-daughter Triniti. Compassionate amongst people, committed to service, and a dutiful Christian, Gerry Gilliam was truly a remarkable man.