Vernard Maxwell "Max" Gilliam, Sr.

Vernard Maxwell Gilliam, Sr. 88, of Evington, VA went to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 6, 2025 following a bout of pneumonia.

He was born July 21, 1937, the son of the late Vernard Flavious Gilliam and the late Lula Maxwell Baker Gilliam.

Max was a former member of Fairview Christian Church where he was baptized by the late Rev. John L. Suttenfield; for the last 67 years he was a devoted member of Beulah Baptist Church, Lynchburg, where he served as a Deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Director, member of the Adult Choir, and served on many committees including 30 years on the Audio Committee.

Max was active in his community. He was President of the Brookville Band Boosters; twice President of the Lyn-Dan Heights Ruritan Club, with 33 years of perfect attendance and was Zone 2 Governor for the Peaks of Otter District; he was appointed by the late J. A. (Toby) Walker, Supervisor for Campbell County, to set up “The Department of Recreation” and hire its first director, Ron Reynolds, who served for many years before retiring from department. Max was a Hospice Volunteer with Hospice of the Hills (now Centra Hospice) for 23+ years and also a Volunteer at Virginia Baptist Hospital Auxillary; a member of Woodman of the World Chapter 7, Lynchburg, since 1963. Max was always willing to help family, friends and neighbors.

Max graduated in 1955 from E. C. Glass High School. He attended Central Virginia Community College and University of Virginia Extension.

He began his working career, part-time at Bashams Hobby Shop, Anderson’s Piggly Wiggly (where he worked with Ann Zimmerman, who 5 years later became his wife); full time working at Monteque-Betts, Western Electric, Central Virginia Telephone Co., Amherst, co-owner of “Ann’s Speciality Shop” and for 38 years with General Electric/Ericsson, retiring in 1997.

After retiring, he began working part time for Tharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Inc as a funeral assistant for 20 years.

On April 18, 1958, Annie (Ann) Lee Zimmerman and Vernard Maxwell (Max) Gilliam joined hands and hearts in marriage, the beginning of 67+ years together.

Max is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ann and children: Thomas (Tommy) Nelson Gilliam and wife, Coleen, Deborah (Debbie) Ann Gilliam Wright and husband Thomas, and Pamela (Pam) Joyce Gilliam Hromco and husband, George. He was preceded in death by his son, Vernard (Vern) Maxwell Gilliam, Jr. December 1, 2024.

Max was blessed with 4 grandchildren: Benjamin (Ben) Thomas Wright and wife, Jessica, Aaron Gilliam Wright, Maegann Leigh Wright Murray and husband Cameron and Courtney Anne Hromco; 2 great granddaughters: Macie Elizabeth Wright and Wrennleigh Mae Murray; a dear sister, Brenda Fay Gilliam Kerns and husband John (Jack) ; a wonderful brother-in-law Sherwood Nelson Zimmerman and wife, Patsy Ann Walker Zimmerman; a niece Sherrie Z. Beard and husband Rick; nephews Sherwood (Chip) Zimmerman and wife Lisa, Alan Harris and Tina, and Brian Harris and wife, Toni; and great nieces, nephews and special cousins.

The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service starting at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Beulah Baptist Church, 528 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA, with Dr. Dennis Hollandsworth officiating. Inurnment will be held privately at Beulah Baptist Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Beulah Music Fund, Heartland Hospice or a charity of your choice.

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