Carl Gene “Rick” Gilliam, Jr.

Carl Gene “Rick” Gilliam, Jr., 66, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Lonesome Pine Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Rick was born in Harlan, Ky. and lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was a 1976 graduate of Powell Valley High School, where he excelled in athletics, and played on the 1974 Va. State Basketball Championship team. He was the owner/operator of the former Gold’s Gym in Big Stone Gap. He graduated top of his class from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in August of 1990. Rick was an owner of Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory since 1990. Rick and his family also provided services for the community with Fit-Con Graphics, and G & G #2 Carwash in Appalachia, Va.

At a young age, Rick began riding motorcycles and later loved to compete in Enduro racing across the Eastern United States, having sponsorships and winning many awards. Music was Rick’s quiet place and his love of music found its way to him playing guitar in many churches in the area. Rick was a member and Past Master of the Big Stone Gap Masonic Lodge #208 AF & AM. He attended East Stone Gap Baptist Church.

Rick was one of the hardest, most dedicated individuals you could meet. His attention to detail was second to none and led to his successful business career. His relationships with community members was unsurpassed.

Rick’s love of sports led to him coaching basketball, soccer, baseball and softball. He played a large role in the development of travel ball in Southwest Virginia. His generosity and encouragement to his players will never be forgotten.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Gilliam and his father-in-law, Sherley Brooks.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sherry Gilliam; his children, Erica Hillman & husband Blake and Logan Gilliam & wife Carly; his grandchildren, Eden Hillman, Kyla Gilliam and Brooklyn Gilliam; his father, Carl Gilliam; his sister, Brenda Adams & husband David; his mother-in-law, Wilma Brooks; his sister-in-law, Elaine Wells & J.J. Vaughn; his nephews, Mathew Grubb, Travis Grubb & wife Melissa and Andrew Wells & wife Kim; and many special family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. at Gilliam Funeral Home. Rick’s Celebration of Life service will follow in the chapel with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.

Graveside services will be held at Glencoe Cemetery after the services.

Pallbearers will be family members, Logan Gilliam, Blake Hillman, Matthew Grubb, Cotton Gardner, Travis Grubb, Roger Gilliam, Brian Gilliam and David Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bud Fannon, Andrew Wells, Marty Large, Mike Allen, Corky Warren, Barry Hamler, Bobby Johnson, Rick Fannon and Jr. Harvey.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory asks for the community’s prayers for the family, during the services of our beloved Rick Gilliam.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit

http://www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.