Paul Gilliam, Jr.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 To everything there is a season…

A Time To Be Born: Paul Gilliam, Jr., affectionately known as “Big Brother,” was born on May 19, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida as the oldest of three children of loving parents Paul Sr. and Lula Gilliam. 

A Time To Live: Raised in North Florida, Paul pursued his education at St. Pius Catholic School, and Andrew Jackson Senior High. He was very protective of his younger brother Jeffery Gilliam and sister Sharon Gilliam Ridley (Mark).

His spiritual journey began early in life, as he not only attended catholic school where mass was a daily requirement, but on Sundays he sang in the choir at St. Mary’s Baptist Church.

The values instilled in Paul during his formative years remained at the core of his life. No matter what challenges presented, Paul knew that Jesus was the light that would guide him through the storms of life. Paul enjoyed reading the Bible and his mastery of scripture verses was phenomenal as he could readily quote God’s Word and apply it to real life situations. 

A Time To Work: Paul was a fine dining chef for most of his career and loved doing special catering events, so he could “show-off” his amazing culinary art skills. His professional food displays and presentations looked like displays you would see on an upscale cruise ship. During holidays he would demand to have the kitchen to himself as he took pride in the preparation of food and felt that only he could guarantee it would be a perfect meal.

A Time To Love: Some people find love once in life, but Paul was able to find love and longevity with wife, Yvonne Gilliam, for fourteen years until his passing. During childhood years, if you followed the sound of a ball bouncing, you could easily locate Paul, as he enjoyed playing basketball. He also had a huge collection of R&B albums to satisfy his love for music. Later he grew to love football and was a die-hard Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

A Time To Die: Paul was delighted to see his 65th birthday on May 19, 2023. However, early on September 22, 2023, after enduring a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, he made his peaceful transition surrounded by family as he had wished. As he moved from this life to the next, his unwavering faith in God undoubtedly carried him into a new existence, where his spirit can find solace.

A Time to Mourn: Paul was proud of and blessed to leave a legacy of five children, Tenisa Gilliam Brooks (Rick), Paul Gilliam, III (Alisha), Sarah Gilliam Brockington (Monte), Michael Gilliam and Faith Love; fifteen grandchildren, Paul III, Jailis, Brayden, Paisley, Raelyn, Makylee, Eli, Trent Gilliam; Monte Brockington; Jaylin, Jaida, and Jakari Tolliver; Jaylen and Kairah, Myles and Jaliyah Slaughter; and Mikhail Brooks; five aunts and two uncles, Thelma Nesmith, Mary E. Perry, Barbara A. Kelley, Brenda G. Creighton, Johnathan Frison (Maxine) of Jacksonville, FL, Fannie M. Cleveland and George B. Gilliam of Tupelo, MS; devoted cousin, Lemuel Scott Gilliam; nephews, Johnny Thompson, II (Ashley), and Marcus Ridley (Rachel); nieces, Jianna Ridley and Joanna Jacobs; other loving family and friends including the staff at Coastal Industries, LLC and man’s best friend, Bella.

In remembering Paul Gilliam, Jr., let us celebrate his life, his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family and community, and the countless lives he touched with his wisdom and joy. Though he may be gone from our sight, his memory will forever live in our hearts.

“To be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8)

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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