Russell K. Gilliam "Gil"

 Reflections on the Life of Russell Gilliam

Today, we celebrate the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, and servant of the Lord. Russell Keith Gilliam was born on December 08, 1959, in Gary, Indiana to Mr. Oliver J. Gilliam and the late Jacqueline N. (Hughes) Gilliam. 

Russell’s spiritual roots were grounded in Van Buren Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana where he received Christ as a teenager. He attended elementary and high school in Gary Indiana’s public school system. He graduated from the Illustrious Theodore Roosevelt High School (Velt) in 1978 where he played football ( #26) during his freshman year. Russell attended Purdue University before deciding to serve his country by joining the U. S. Navy.  Russell served for 12years on various ships; the USS Tarawa during operations Desert Storm & Desert Shield. During his service, he received a number of medals and ribbons, including the Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Development Ribbon, and Battle “E” Ribbon to name a few. Before ending his service of 12 years he received a degree in Electrical Engineering that fostered his role at Duke Energy in Plainfield IN, where he worked for over 23 years, On September 4, 2020, our Heavenly Father did roll call and Russell said “present”. Our Lord has said “Job well done, good, and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,.” (Matthew 25:21). 

Russell loved his family unconditional, and through his life’s journey, he developed a host of friends. His warm loving spirit, beautiful personality, and generous heart had a profound influence on everyone he met. He was an avid fan of jazz, enjoyed audiobooks, loved to watch the History Channel, and Animal Planet. If you ever had a chance to go on any TV game show he would have been the one to take. He loved being there for his nieces and nephews, loved cooking, entertaining, traveling, laughing, smoking cigars from time to time, giving advice, sharing wisdom with any and everyone. Russell loved life.

Russell was the Past President for one of Indianapolis Indian Black Historic Club Cosmo Knights.  He belongs to the Helping Hands, Veteran of War, and was one of the founders of the Culer Gilliam Scholarship Program.

If you knew Russell, you know he was debonair, intelligent, a charmer, and laid back. He made his presence known without saying a word, whenever he made his grand entrance. His fashion sense and style were unmatched; he could dress an outfit from head to toe, in and out, and would cause all eyes to land on him. Even as he left the room the aroma of his cologne would leave a linger. He loved clothes, shoes, jewelry, and of course his hats. He had an eye for foreign cars and pretty women. His wife (Wanda) caught his wandering eyes, and she captured his heart with her pretty smile, deep dimples. She made him smile and made his heart flutter. Three years ago, they decided to write and compose their own love story as they lived every day, taking nothing for granted but enjoying life and every moment of it. An enchanted life some women dream about. The two shared a love that was radiant, rich, full, that poured out onto everyone they knew and loved. 

Russell was preceded in death by his mother Jacqueline(Hughes) Gilliam and son Julian Smith.

Those left to cherish his precious memories; Wife Wanda Smith-Gilliam, Father, Oliver Gilliam (Mary Brown Gilliam) of Gary, IN, Great-Aunt, Thelma Lee-Epps, daughters, Cheona (Darryl) Gilbert and Courtney Smith, 3 grandchildren, Julian Reeves, D’Mari Gilbert, and Jaden Lewis. 

Mother In-Law, Dorothy L. Wills   

Sisters, (Roslyn (Peter) Crayton, (Lawrenceville, GA) Regina (Terry) Gilliam-Smith (McHenry, IL) Charisse (Thomas Earl) Scott (Chicago, IL) 

Brother: Erick (Annette) Gilliam (Gary, IN) 

Brother In- Laws Louis (Kim) Owsley, Tony (Cheryl) Owsley (Indianapolis, IN), Mario Braston (Decherd, TN), Jonathon (Christina) Young (Manchester, TN)

Sisters In-Law: Tanya (Charles) Buck, Lakeesha Braston (Indianapolis IN)

A host of Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends

Godson: Demaricus (Kate) Price, God granddaughter Devaeh Price

Brother of the family Michael (Jeri) Woodson

Russell’s warmth and celebratory spirit for life will forever be remembered by all who knew him.