Richard Lee Gilliam

Richard Lee Gilliam, 79, of Forest, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2026. He was born April 29, 1946, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Lee Edward and Cora Viar Gilliam.

Mourning his loss are his brother and sister -in-law, Thomas and Ellen Gilliam. His immediate family is small, but his circle of cousins and friends was vast. He was generous with smiles and kindness. If you were lucky enough to know Richard you were lucky enough.

Richard known by many as "Dick," grew up in the Fort Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg. He attended Miller Elementary and E.C. Glass High School. He learned his strong work ethic by working at his family-owned Exxon station and Ice House.

Richard's faith journey began at home and at College Hill Baptist Church. He joined Forest Presbyterian Church when he moved to Forest. Since COVID, he followed virtual services. Richard lived his faith, being generous of spirit and riches, and when called upon, offered blessings and prayers that were truly inspirational.

Richard served in the USAF from 1968–1972 in Sembach, Germany, in the 601st Supply Squadron. Upon returning home from Germany, he was able to resume his position at Intermet Foundry. He worked there for 30 years and retired as Vice President of Material Management. Following the closing of the foundry, Richard joined Flowserve, where he worked for 18 years as a Supply Chain Manager until his retirement in 2014.

During his professional career, he was a member of the Board of the United Way of Central Virginia and the Advisory Board of the Lynchburg Life Saving Crew. He was also a member of the American Foundrymen's Society, the National Association of Purchasing Managers, the American Legion Post 274, and the Izaak Walton League.

Retirement allowed Richard to make his many rounds visiting family and friends and, when in season, delivering tomatoes. Richard, his brother Tom, and two very fine English Setters enjoyed many days in the field quail hunting. Their hunting trips expanded to international travel, experiencing fabulous duck hunts in Argentina, Mexico, and Uruguay. Trout fishing remained his favorite spring and summer pastime.

Richard's last day was a glorious, warm, sunny spring day fishing with Tom at a newly found fishing hole, where the breeze was light and the fish were biting and all was right with His world.

Those wishing to remember Richard may consider donations to the American Heart Association, the Bedford Humane Society, or the church or charity of your choice.

A visitation will be Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA. A graveside service will be Thursday, March 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Hill Memorial Park, 5196 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.