Norris Gilliam Jr

Norris Gilliam, Jr, 93, Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 23, 2018. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University in chemical engineering, and a Masters degree in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma. He was employed as a chemical engineer for 4 years with Monsanto Chemical Co., and for 32 years at various location of Eastman Kodak Co. Before starting his chemical career, he received a Masters degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Seminary and served as Director of Baptist Student Unions in Memphis, Tennessee. Later in his career, while in Atlanta, he organized a program to befriend international college students and involve them in church activities.

He was a man of integrity, who loved life, and lived it to the fullest. He loved his Lord, his family, and his country but had a special passion for missions. Wherever his chemical profession took him, he always served in a local church with great enthusiasm and commitment. Norris had a great interest in music, and studied voice at the Eastman School of Rochester, NY. He served on the Kingsport Symphony board for 10 years, and with various churches on a part time basis as choir director and/or director of religious education. He was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church where he had served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, choir member, and Brotherhood President.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Norris Gilliam, and brother, Robert McCargo Gilliam and wife, Roselyn of Nashville.

Survivors are his loving wife, Nancy M. Gilliam; two brothers, William G. Moses and Robert F. Moses and wife, Gayle; nephew, Robert Marshall Gilliam and wife, Judith; niece, Marilyn Gilliam Latimer and husband, Chris; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Indian Springs Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. David Phillips officiating.

The graveside service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018, at 11:00 am at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.

Memorial contributions can be made to the International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA, 23230-0737, www.imb.org.