Jesse Ray Gilliam Sr. passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Merit Health River Region. He was 65.

He was born in Vicksburg on Jan. 26, 1954, and was the son of Garfield and Zelner Sykes Gilliam.

He is a 1971 graduate of Warren Central High School, and was a member of Triumphant Baptist Church. He retired after 40 years as a welder at R. G. Letourneau Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and two sisters, Dell Marie Burns and Christine Steward.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Shelia Larry Gilliam of Vicksburg; three sons, Tony Gilliam of Scott Depot, W.Va., Frederick D. Gilliam of Birmingham, Ala., and Jesse R. Gilliam Jr. of Vicksburg; two sisters, Evelyn Montgomery and Debra Johnson of Vicksburg; three brothers, James Kemp, Cozell Gilliam and Victor Gilliam, Vicksburg; six grandchildren, Kiara Gilliam, Tayelor Werts, Tyeler Gilliam, Torey Gilliam, Jaydon Gilliam and Jordin Gilliam; great-grandson, Karson Gilliam; nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins.

Visitation will be at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home, Monday, May 6, 2019, from 1 to 6 p.m., with family present 5 to 6 p.m.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Spring Hill M.B. Church, with the Rev. James Warren officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.