Raymond Edward Gilliam

Raymond Edward Gilliam (Pop), age 75, passed from this life into the arms of our Heavenly
Father on May 11, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Preceded in death by his parents Randall Farris Gilliam Sr. and Charmie Mae (Cunningham)
Gilliam, Brothers Randall Farris Gilliam Jr and James Richard Gilliam, sister Charmie Ann
Martin, Brother-in-law Stephen Moseley.
Born in Bristol VA on February 13, 1949, Raymond lived a full life of adventure. He married
the love of his life Caren in 1970 and started his family in 1975.
With his entrepreneur spirit and sense of adventure he explored life. During the 1982 World’s
Fair, he and his sisters opened the first 1-hour photo service in Knoxville, F-Stop Photo. In his
later career he joined WSP as a FEMA disaster housing inspector. This career move brought his
love of travel, adventure and interacting with people full circle.
He was a bright and innovative mind that was always looking for knowledge and information.
He was up for a debate on any topic, any time. He watched over his family and pushed us to
prepare for the unexpected, although he could not have prepared us for his absence. His sarcastic
witty sense of humor, warm mischievous smile, unsolicited and solicited advice on any topic will
be missed. He was willing to lend a tool to fix a project, pick you up off the side of the road
when your car broke down and bail you out of trouble without pause but not without lecture.
Whether he was on the road working, at home cheffing a tasty meal, sitting on the porch
watching a storm roll in or shopping on Amazon, you can guarantee he was listening to some
good music. In memory of our “wild and crazy guy” and in honor of the legacy he left behind,
we raise a toast to our Pop and we say thank you for all taught us and did for us. You are greatly
missed!
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Caren Anne (Stansell) Gilliam, his 4 children: Suzanne
(Jason Weaver), Rebecca (Shane Tullock), Randall Gilliam (Elizabeth), Jesse Gilliam (David), 7
grandchildren: Sean Smith (BriAnna), Justin Smith (fiancé Stephanie), Logan Smith (Heather),
Levi Weaver, Gavin Weaver, Rheanne Tullock (Rayanne), Cooper Gilliam, Lily Gilliam, 3 great
grandchildren: Clara Smith, Emilia Smith (Emi), Cora Smith. 3 sisters: Linda Mumpower (Jim),
Doris Distefano (Frank), Brenda Moseley and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please leave a picture and
words of memory here or with the family personally. Interment will be at Mountain View
Cemetery in Bristol, VA