Joseph (Jody) Thurl Gilliam
June 28, 1937 ~ September 25, 2021
Born in:
Buncombe County, NC
Resided in:
Maiden, NC
Joseph (Jody) Thurl Gilliam, 84, died on Saturday, September 25, 2021 after a long battle with dementia. He had lived in Buncombe and Henderson Counties all of his life until 2017 when he moved to the Lake Norman area to live near his daughters.
Jody was born in Fairview NC on June 28, 1937 to the late Alfred Thurl Gilliam and Carrie Mae Pittillo Gilliam. He was also preceded in death by his brothers; Edwin Gilliam, Sherrill Gilliam and John Gilliam, and sister; Barbara Gilliam Pressley.
He is survived by his children; Rebecca Young (Todd), Sandra Hammond (Barry), and Joseph Edward Gilliam (Michelle) of Bulverde, TX, siblings; brother Mack Gilliam of Fairview and sister Shirley Whittemore of N. Wilkesboro, grandchildren; Robert Allison (Arsha), Kevin Allison (Pam), Julie Mathis Bean (Jon), Travis Mathis (Brooke), Michael Young, Joseph Anthony Gilliam and Rayna Young, great grandchildren; River Allison, Emaleigh Bean, Aubree Bean and Charlie Mathis, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jody was retired from Asheville Metal Finishing, where he worked in maintenance for over 15 years. He could always be found tinkering with something or fishing on a lake somewhere. When he wasn’t tinkering or fishing, he would be combing flea markets or auctions looking for, and finding, bargains. He enjoyed beekeeping, hunting and gardening and he loved to travel. He was always ready to be of help to anyone who needed it. He loved and was always kind to animals.
A Celebration of Jody’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Catawba County online at www.mealsonwheelsofcatawbacounty.org or checks can be mailed to PO Box 207, Newton, NC 28658.
Services
Celebration of Life: October 2, 2021 11:00 am
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Dear Becky, We’re sending our deepest sympathy to you & your Family in the loss of you Father.
Love, Bucky & Sherri Nave
Hey honey I’m sorry. Losing dads is very tough. But ya know what Sandra? I knew what kind of a man he was. Cause he reflected in you. Glad I meant ypu. I’m sure you shined in his eyes.
Prayers for this family.
Becky,Sandra, Joe praying for you all .Joe was always good to me as a kid and I always loved smelling his pipe
Jerry Gilliam
We are thinking of you Sandra, Becky and families and sending you love and prayers for comfort.
There are many fond memories of our visits through the years. Going way back, I can still picture Aunt Aurelia’s house and Uncle Jody bringing you to see us and in later years it meant a lot that you would take time to visit with us at your Mom and Dad’s and elsewhere. (Ha ha …especially that time when Travis thought Uncle Darryl really did know everything). Rest in peace Uncle Jody.
Much love,
Joan, Jean & Brad
Sorry for your loss. GOD Bless your family.
So sad to hear about your daddy. Sending love and prayers your way.
So very sorry for your loss, you’re all in my prayers. God Bless.