Harold Leroy Gilliam
U.S. Army retiree loved playing cards
Harold Leroy Gilliam, 73, passed away Friday, June 28, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 6, 1940, in Dorton, Ky., a son of the late Gladys Tunnel and Luther Gilliam.
Mr. Gilliam retired from 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, including two tours during the Vietnam War, Germany, Korea and other overseas assignments and as a recruiter. He was honorably discharged in 1984 and he retired from New Bakery in Zanesville, Ohio, in 2002.
He enjoyed his two grandchildren and attending all of their sporting events and activities. He loved playing cards and traveling with his daughter’s family. He provided a loving home for many pet rescues over the years including his most current dogs, Phoebe and Cinnamon.
Mr. Gilliam was a member of Pershing Park Baptist Church of Killeen, Texas.
The doctors and medical staff of Canonsburg General Hospital and Allegheny General Hospital aided in his care.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Judy Wyant Gilliam; a daughter, Terri (Michael) Petras of Cecil; and his pride and joy, grandchildren Taylor and Seth Petras.
Also surviving are a sister, Linda (Ronald) Wright of Dorton, Ky.; sisters-in-law Verena Gilliam of Hudson, Fla., Ann Gilliam of Loudenville, Ohio, and Veneva Gilliam of Springfield, Ohio; brother-in-law Stanley Beal of Sagamore Hills, Ohio; and sisters-in-law Janice DeBord of Pomeroy, Ohio, and Mary Haning of Albany, Ohio; and many adored nieces and nephews.
Deceased are brothers James, Jacob, Herschel, Luther and Curtis Gilliam and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Lois Wyant, Norman and Jean (Wyant) Wood, Juanita (Wyant) Beal, Dallas DeBord and James Haning.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211,, where services will be held at noon Wednesday, July 3.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wounded Warrior Project, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and Animal Friends.