Christopher James Gilliam, 33, died Monday, July 26, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell J. Gilliam, and is survived by his mother, Mary Beth Champion, of Mills River, NC; his sister, Ashleigh Price, of Charlotte, NC; his brother, Andrew Gilliam (Hayley), of Wilmington, NC; his daughter, Victoria Hope Gilliam, and his son, Lucas James Gilliam. In addition, Christopher is survived by three nieces, Kaitlyn, Nova and Andie Rose and many loving uncles.
Christopher’s sense of humor, his warm and welcoming heart, his generous spirit, and his innate charisma gave him a larger-than-life presence, which won him countless friends and a wealth of admiration. Friends describe how he was always kind to everyone, and was a confident, natural leader. An avid sports fan, Christopher was also an accomplished athlete. He very much enjoyed woodworking and landscaping, and learned new techniques quite quickly, which helps explain why, when he began a career in HVAC, he was rapidly promoted to lead engineer.
Being a father to Victoria and Lucas was one of Christopher’s deepest joys in life; his abundance of big-heartedness and loving kindness translated easily into being a grateful and interested Dad. He was endlessly fascinated by his children’s every word, action and pursuit.
Many of Christopher’s friends described his loyalty and kind ways. One said he possessed “one of the biggest hearts of anyone” she’d ever known. Another friend noted he “always dressed to impress and loved his shoes.” His brother Andrew also remembered him as a sharp dresser, and someone generously able to quickly “see the good in people.” Andrew added that Christopher loved good music of all sorts, was quick to laugh, and was pretty funny himself. His sister, Ashleigh, said he was the best brother a girl could have and that “he held my heart.”
In short, Christopher Gilliam was the type of friend we’d all be lucky to have in our lives. In a final testament to his generous, giving nature, he chose, in December of 2020, to become an organ donor, which epitomizes the approach he brought to his entire life.
Services will be private.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting Christopher Gilliam’s family with the arrangements.