Earl Cecil “Whitey” Gilliam

Earl Cecil “Whitey” Gilliam, age 83, a resident of Clinton, passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, at his home, following a brief illness with cancer.

Mr. Gilliam was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Kingsport. He has lived in Oliver Springs since 1953.

Earl was a retired ironworker and rigger and a member of the Ironworker’s Local No. 384 in Knoxville. He worked construction from 1951 until 1974, when he began employment at the K-25 Federal Plant in Oak Ridge. He continued working at K-25 until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Gilliam was a patriotic man who loved his country and flew the U.S. flag in his front lawn. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was also a member of Kellytown Baptist Church.

He believed in a hard day’s work, and even in his leisure time, he enjoyed mowing, gardening, and many other projects that called for hard work.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Goodman Gilliam; by a son, Eddie Gilliam; by his parents, Charlie Gilliam and Mattie Leola Churchwell Gilliam; by sisters, Mary Burke and Shirley Smith; and by a brother, John Gilliam.

He is survived by a daughter, Regina Roberts and husband Gordon of Clinton; by grandsons, Tyler and Tanner Roberts of Clinton; by a brother, Harold Gilliam and wife Louise of Church Hill, Tenn.; and by a special friend and her family, Martha McManus.

The family received friends Wednesday, Aug. 8, between 5 and 7 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. with Pastor Tommy Hensley officiating.

Burial and graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.