Francis Gilliam, Jr. was born on January 4, 1954 in Edenton, North Carolina to Francis Gilliam, Sr. and Ernestine Wooten. He was raised with siblings; William Blount (brother), Ruth Blount (sister), James Blount (brother), and Rosie Wooten (sister), whom all proceeded him in death.

Francis was a hardworking man. He entered the work force at an early age. At 18 years old he joined the Marines where he got to travel the world, his favorite being Vietnam. In 1976 he was stationed in North Carolina where he met Elizebeth Vazquez. He is survived by his only child Francis Gilliam, III, and a daughter whom he took under his wing as if she was his own, Leila Gilliam.

He came to Cleveland, Ohio where he met his kids and grandkids. Life in Ohio was great for Francis. He was able to be a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He then met Yvette Smith whom he shared a great relationship with but passed away in 2021. He was always there for his family, encouraging, scolding, teaching, listening and of course, loving.

We are so happy to have had him in our lives. His brutal honesty and blatant love endeared us all. We will never forget him, and we will be forever blessed for having him in our lives. Francis Gilliam is survived by Francis Gilliam, III (son), Delaiondria Lavette Locke-Gilliam (daughter-in-law), Leila Gilliam (daughter), and Alexander Thomas (son-in-law). Grandchildren; Juan Gilliam, Brandon Gilliam, Aaliyah Monroe, Jacob Gilliam, Elna Gilliam, Breylen Thomas, Kyrie Thomas, and Mireya Gilliam. Great grandchildren; Yzreal Raheem and Azra Gilliam, and a host of cousins, friends, and extended family.

Francis Gilliam, Jr. will be missed, loved, and cherished and never forgotten.