Bobby Joe Gilliam

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Bobby Joe Gilliam, 72, departed this life on January 16, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Born on August 25, 1952, in Brownfield, Texas, to Bobby Junior and Joan Gilliam, Bobby lived a rich and fulfilling life filled with love, hard work, and dedication to his family and passions.

Bobby spent part of his childhood in Japan while his father served in the Air Force, eventually returning to Brownfield to help on the family farm. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Finley, and together they shared 54 and a half wonderful years. Their life journey led them to many accomplishments, including the founding of Bobby Gilliam's Cleaned Used Cars, where Bobby sold cars for 15 years. Later, he established Gilliam Enterprises, repairing cotton gins across the South. This endeavor eventually brought the family to Arkansas in 1991, and later Bobby joined his son in their business in 2012 at Jonesboro Hydraulics.

Bobby’s life was filled with diverse interests and talents. He loved restoring Mustangs and tinkering with his 1985 Jeep, named “Ol Nelley.” An avid outdoorsman, Bobby enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the bears, and exploring the woods to find unique pieces of wood for his woodworking and carving projects. Time at the family cabin in Fifty-Six, Arkansas, was especially cherished, as he sat by the fire, added photos to his “Wall of Fame,” and played heartfelt tunes on his harmonica, with “Amazing Grace” being a favorite.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Junior and Joan Gilliam. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Gilliam, of the home; his children, Tabatha Moore (Brannon) of Lubbock, Texas, Zachary Gilliam (Stephanie), and Casey Gilliam (Maegon) both of Jonesboro. He is also survived by two sisters, Sandy Skobla and Liz Baumgardner, both of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren: Westen, Brannson, Shelby, Bryson, Rudy, Keegan, Holt, and Gracie Mae; and four great-grandchildren: Owen, Georgia Bleu, Steelie Jo, and Ryker.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A celebration of Bobby’s life will follow on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, officiated by Bro. Robbie McMasters. Interment will take place at Pine Log Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Westen Gilliam, Rudy Gilliam, Holt Gilliam, Keegan Gilliam, Brannson Moore, and Bryson Moore.