Blaine Calvin Gilliam

Blaine Calvin Gilliam, 91, of Kingsport, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, following a brief illness. Born in Scott County, VA, he was the son of the late O' Ferrell and Ollie Victoria Alley Gilliam. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years during WWII in the Signal Corp. and with the 880 Bomb Squadron where he earned 4 service medals. Blaine lived in the Boones Creek Community where he was a member of Boones Creek United Methodist Church and a county commissioner during that time. He retired from Eastman Kodak after 40 years in the Organic Chemical Division. Upon his retirement, Blaine became a ranger at Warriors Path Golf Course where he enjoyed playing numerous rounds of golf with his grandson.

After the passing of his wife Helen, Mr. Gilliam, then transitioned to Kingsport where he attended the Senior Center for 15 years and was a member of The Happy Days Singers. Blaine was a participant in the Senior Olympics where he competed on the local, state, and national levels. He returned to his home church at Alleys Chapel United Methodist Church in Manville, Virginia. He was a Christian man. His faith and singing ministries were an important part of his life.

The last 15 months Blaine was a resident of Brookdale, Rock Springs "Remington House." He spent countless hours enjoying bingo, checkers, singing and other various activities with friends and residents. He was a wonderful and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Helen Darnell Gilliam and brother Lloyd Gilliam.

He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Gilliam Bookout and husband Dr. James Michael of Kingsport and Linda Gilliam Barr and husband Tony Steven of Mooresville, NC; three grandchildren, Dustin Barr and wife Catherine of Charlotte, NC, Brittany Barr Rhodenhiser and husband Ryan of Wilmington, NC, and Ashley Bookout of Nashville; one great granddaughter, Margaret Barr of Charlotte, NC, and a new great grandson due in two weeks.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff, CNA's, and all employees of Brookdale, Rock Springs for their love and care in his daily needs. Also, to the Holston Valley Medical Center staff and Wilcox Hall for their compassionate care.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 11-1:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Bob Cloud and Rev. Steve Templeton officiating. Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Rd., Bristol, TN 37620, or to Shepherd Center, 132 Sevier Ave., Kingsport, TN 37660.

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