William J. Gilliam, age 89, resident of Rome, Ohio, passed away Thursday, February 28, 2008 Geneva Village Retirement Community in Geneva, Ohio

Born March 9, 1918 in Wise, Virginia, to Laura (Beverly) & Hobart Gilliam.

He was a coal miner for 45 years.

William served in the Conservation Corp in Virginia during the Depression. Growing up he was a light weight boxing champion and a fast pitch softball pitcher. Enjoyed horseshoe pitching, playing cards, fishing, gardening, Kentucky Wildcat basketball and drag racing.

He is survived by 2 Daughters, Geneva (Bob) Rothrock of Rome and Betty (Curtis) Kempton of Amanda, Ohio; 1 Son, William (Flo) Gilliam of Lovell, Wyoming; 9 Grandchildren 18 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren; Step-Brother Silas Easterling of Streetsboro; Step-Son, Homer (Alice) Stacey of Belfry, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Savannah Gilliam; 1st Wife, Elizabeth; 2nd Wife, Allie; son, Joe Jack Gilliam; Sister, Kathleen Adams; 2 Step-Sisters,Ruth and Violette; Step-Brother, Gilbert; Half-Brother, Holbart Clyde; Step-Son, Thomas McCoy; and Great Granddaughter, Tina Burleson

Friends will be received 6-8:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2008, at The Behm Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 175 S. Broadway, Geneva, Ohio.

Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the funeral home.

Final Resting Place will be at Perry Cemetery in Perry.