- Date Of Birth: June 28, 1933
- Date Of Death: January 27, 2017
- State: Georgia
Boyd Blackman Gilliam, Jr., of Newnan, Georgia passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017 at his home, with his family by his side. There was no better example of kindness, integrity and love of others than the one Blackman set in his 83 years on this earth. Born June 28, 1933 in Atlanta, Georgia, Blackman was the only child of Boyd B. Gilliam, Sr. and Jessie Jolly Gilliam both of Union, South Carolina. He attended Brown High School in Atlanta and Georgia Institute of Technology and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Georgia State University. Blackman’s early career was as a draftsman, working for Gulf Oil Company in Atlanta, where he worked for 17 years. He found his true passion as a Vocational Education Teacher in South Fulton County, where he taught Architectural Design, CAD Design and Drafting for over 20 years. He enjoyed working with his students to help them develop in skill and confidence. Mr. Gilliam was lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, for many years at Cascade, Cliftondale, and most recently at Turin United Methodist. Blackman enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and being a lay-leader of the congregation. A Coweta County Master Gardener, he loved working in his gardens at home as well as working with the community in the County Extension Office. Blackman made friends easily wherever he went; most of them were friends for life. Blackman, had a fierce love for his family, and was happiest when spending time with all of them. Survivors include his wife of 56 years Rita Gilham Gilliam of Newnan; daughter, Lea Gilliam Hicks and son-in-law, Garrett “Butch” Hicks of Cohutta, Georgia; son, Bradley Boyd Gilliam of Newnan; sister-in-law Joan Gilham Ingram and her husband, David; brother-in-law W.H. “Buddy” Gilham III and his wife, Susan; nephews, Greg Ingram, Alan Ingram, W.H. “Bud” Gilham IV: niece, Bonnie Gilham Freeman, and several great nieces and nephews.
