Bobby Kent Gilliam , age 82, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was a native of Wise, Virginia and the son of the late Elbert and Bessie Gilliam. He was also preceded in death by brothers, E.C. Gilliam and Melburn Gilliam, and a sister, Iris June Salyers.

Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.

A graveside service will be Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Milton Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Joseph Cjeka and Lawrence Clark will officiate.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Corinne Knight Gilliam; nephews, Ronnie Knight and his wife Rosaline, Ricky Knight and his wife Phyllis, Randy Knight and his wife Debbie; nieces,  Sharon Webb, Debbie Barnes, and Janice Bullis; great-nephews, Griffin and Spenser Knight; and great nieces Robyn Smotherman and Rhonda Rowland.

Mr. Gilliam retired from the United States Air Force having served through the Vietnam Era. He also retired from the VA Hospital after 20 years of service as a Chief of Supply. After retirement he did volunteer work for the Stones River Battlefield and St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was an avid golfer, sports enthusiast, historian, storyteller (funny jokes) and loved to travel. Mr. Gilliam was an Elder of Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

Military will serve as active pallbearers.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Gilliam may be made to the Humane Society (P.A.W.S.) at 285 John R Rice Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.