Frank Furman “Buddy” Gilliam, Jr., 79, husband to Diana Lynn Kessler Gilliam for 43 years, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Mr. Gilliam was born in Greenville to the late Frank Furman Gilliam, Sr. and Olive Electa Tinsley Gilliam.  He was a veteran of the US Navy and the US Army.  Frank was a graduate of Greenville Technical College and retired from Walmart.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing golf.  Frank had a talent for remembering names and he was a trivia buff.  He loved children and they would often run up to him shouting “Mr. Frank.”  He was an avid reader and loved solving Crossword puzzles.  Frank loved dogs and TV shows featuring animals.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, Matt Gilliam with wife Andrea.  He was predeceased by two sisters, Nancy Gilliam and Electa Ricket.

A celebration of Frank’s life will begin at 2 o’clock Tuesday, April 5th, under the committal shelter at Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided by the Army Honor Guard.

Memorials in Frank’s honor may be made to the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.