Joe "Pops" Wayne Gilliam

August 13, 1938 - June 23, 2020

Joe Wayne Gilliam, age 81, resident of Columbia, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10 AM with Rick Points officiating.  Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home.  Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joe was born in Maury County on August 13, 1938 and was the son of the late Edward Riley Gilliam and the late Mary James Rummage Gilliam. Joe was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Columbia, then went to work for Moody’s Tire Service in Columbia, before deciding to open his own business: Gillam Tire Service. He farmed in the McCain community, and loved raising his Milk Cows.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Keeton (Jeff Lancaster) of Columbia; sister, Ella Mae “Maples” Pylant of Columbia; and grandson, James “Tiffany” Keeton of Columbia.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Rowena Cook Gilliam; brother: Paul Edward Gilliam; sisters: Betty Ann Morton, and Mary Lou Andrews; and nephew: William Andrews.

Pallbearers will be: Troy Briggs, Freddie Morton, Shane Andrews, Darell Andrews, Bobby Andrews, and Anthony “Bubba” Pylant. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jim Moody, Mark Lancaster, Mike Glasgow, and Johnny Andrews.