Obituary of Mr. David Gillam

Reflections

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the

days of your youth...” Ecclesiastes 11:9

Mr. David Joseph Gillam, Sr. was born on March 2, 1933 to Mr. Tom

Gillam and Mrs. Estella Granger Gillam in Cheneyville, Louisiana. He was a

welcomed joy to his parents and siblings--Charles, Virginia, Beatrice, Mary,

Milton, Tom, Freddie, and Ella Mae, and was soon joined by a baby sister,

Rose Marie. As a young boy, he was always revered as a kind, quiet, and

gentle soul. Later in life, he learned of his twin brothers, Marvin and Mervin

Shedrick, who were raised by his aunt. He began working on a farm at a

young age, and he was a humble, faithful and hardworking man. He gave his

life to Christ at an early age; his mother taught him the Word of God daily,

and he literally sat at her feet and absorbed every word.

“Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a

reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.

Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Psalm 127:3-5

On September 11, 1958, David married Betty Jean Blue. She was the

love of his life. Their love for one another spanned over sixty years, and their

union was blessed with seven children--Ronnie, Pamela, David Jr., Betty Jean,

James, Ernest, and Renee. True to His word, God allowed him to also see

twenty-five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness,” Galations 5:22

Prayer was the foundation of David’s life and he shared his gifts of

prayer and singing within the community and in numerous churches. He

served as a deacon and devotion leader at Baptist Faith Mission Outreach in

Marksville, Louisiana for many years. For over sixteen years, he served

joyfully as a beloved greeter and faithful tither at Christian Worship Center.

Everyone who came in contact with Bro. Gillam was captivated by his

wonderful smile and genuine love. His love for the kingdom of God and his

Savior Jesus Christ was his guiding force in making sure that the light of

Christ was reflected in his daily walk. The great loves of his life were God, his

Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, children, family, church, singing, gardening,

mowing the lawn, picking pecans and blackberries, his many sports caps and

the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his earlier years, he took great pride in traveling

many places, singing with his children. He also thoroughly enjoyed helping

others, and would give his last to anyone in need.

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor,

especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” I Timothy 5:17

​

David was the patriarch of the Gillam family and was a beloved

treasure to his entire family, including siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins

from the youngest to the eldest throughout the country. He loved attending

family reunions, and tried to attend each and every one of them. Excitedly,

he took his first airline flight at age seventy-two to Ontario, California to

attend a family reunion. He was dubbed “The Gentle Giant” of the Gillam

family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Charles, Virginia,

Beatrice, Mary, Milton, Tom, Freddie, Ella Mae, and Mervin; his grandson,

Jared; and his great-granddaughter, Lauren.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mrs. Betty Jean Gillam of

Alexandria, Louisiana; his children, Mr. Ronnie Gillam (Gilda) of Ball,

Louisiana, Mrs. Pamela Gillam Cook (Carl) of Alexandria, Louisiana, Mr. David

Gillam, Jr. of Alexandria, Louisiana, Mrs. Betty Jean Gillam Peacock (Lewis) of

Hendersonville, Tennessee, Mr. James Gillam of Alexandria, Louisiana, Mr.

Ernest Gillam of Cheneyville, Louisiana, and Mrs. Renee Gillam Thomas

(Raymond) of Alexandria, Louisiana; his siblings, Mrs. Rose Reed of Houston,

Texas and Mr. Marvin Shedrick (Frankie) of New Orleans, Louisiana; Twenty-

five grandchildren; Eleven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews,

and cousins across the country, a dedicated friend--Rev. Freddie Johnson, Sr.,

and many other friends, both young and old.

~The Funeral Directors~