Manson L. Gilliam - spry2
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Manson L. Gilliam,
96, of Athens passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021. He was born February 4,
1925, in Wise, Virginia.
He was preceded in
death by his first wife, Lois Price Gilliam and daughter, Shirley Ray Hart.
He is survived by
his wife, Lanell Glaze Gilliam; daughters, Linda Thrailkill (Tom), Mary Jane Powers
(Larry), Sandy Yarbrough (Greg), DeeDee Patty (Russ) and Elizabeth Gilliam;
seven grandchildren, Ashley Hudson (Scott), Leah Fuqua (Dennis), David Powers
(Clare), Grant Pritchard (Bridget), Amy Berry, Brooklyn Grace (Brenton),
Jonathan Powers, Alex Patty, Riley Adams and 12 great-grandchildren.
Manson served 20
years in the military and in WWII with the 101st Airborne Division, 377
Parachute Field Artillery Battalion in Europe. He was in the battle of Bastogne,
Belgium, where Allied Forces were surrounded by German armored divisions
demanding unconditional surrender until U.S. Commander McAuliffe gave the
cryptic reply 'NUTS' as the 101st dug in and held off the offensive. Months
earlier in Operation Market Garden, he parachuted behind German lines in the
Liberation of Holland. Manson also served in the Korean War, was stationed
later in Nuremburg, Germany, and retired at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. His
daughters said their father rarely talked about the military service until
prompted by his sons-in-law and then he would fondly share personal stories
about events and Army buddies from decades ago.
In 1965, he began
a second career as an agent with State Farm Insurance in Athens. During the 25
years with State Farm, he
was involved in numerous local organizations including Habitat for Humanity,
the American Legion, the Mental Health Association, Civitan Club and Meals on Wheels.
Manson became a
born again Christian in 1962 and joined West Huntsville Baptist Church. After relocating
to Athen, he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where he served as a
deacon and on various committees. He loved his family and friends, enjoyed the
game of golf in retirement and will be remembered for his kind, generous
spirit.
Memorials may be
made to any of the organizations Manson supported or charity of your choice.
The family will
receive family at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 13, with a memorial service to follow
at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Spry Funeral Home in Athens. Burial will be at Limestone
Memorial Gardens with military honors.
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6 comments
Lisa Pipes
2021-06-23 01:02:09
Jeanne, Black and Josh - I wish I had words to comfort y'all in your grief these past 2 weeks. Please know we still love your family very much and I think of you often.
Steve Kerr
2021-06-24 23:43:42
I'm sorry for your loss. Tim was a good man and a friend that I'll miss.
Camilla Spencer
2021-10-04 16:12:05
Camilla here is Charles' obiturary
Camilla Spencer
2021-10-04 16:26:05
Camilla here is Charles' obiturary
Camilla Spencer
2021-10-04 16:27:32
Camilla here is Charles' obiturary
Tiffany Speakman
2023-08-19 14:35:10
Hey, I miss you I hope your up there watching over Alivia. Thanks for a great life. You were a great Grandfather. Thanks for taking care of me in your hard times.
