Ronald 'Ronnie' C. Gilliam

Ronald “Ronnie” Carnes Gilliam was born August 1, 1946, in Greenville, MS, to Everett and Bessie Gilliam and peacefully passed away February 1, 2023, at his home in Fort Gibson, OK, with his loving family by his side. Ronald received his formal education and graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, OK, in 1965. Ronnie was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and was stationed in Washington, DC. He received a National Defense Service Medal and a Sharpshooter Badge (M-14 Rifle). He was Honorably discharged in 1968. After serving in the Army as a radio operator using Morse Code, Ronnie returned to OK and attended and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern State College in 1972. While attending college, Ronnie worked for Peyton’s Place on the Illinois River alongside many high school friends. Ronnie and Peggy (Clark) met in 1971 and were married on November 7, 1975, at Sheridan Ave Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK. In January 1977, their first daughter, Amanda, was born and 22 months later they welcomed baby sister, Erin. Ronnie began working at Fort Howard in 1978; he continued his career as a Shift Electrician at Georgia Pacific and worked there for 44 years until his death. Ronnie enjoyed hunting with buddies in CO and fishing on Garth Brooks’ pond with his brother, Emmett, and close friends. Ronnie’s ultimate “good time” was hosting friends and family at his home. Spending quality time with his family and friends was at the top of his priority list. Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Berk Gilliam and Emmett Gilliam. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home; daughters, Amanda McMillan and husband, Josh, of Fort Gibson, Erin Gilliam-Biggers of Naples, FL; grandsons, Holdan Gray of Fort Gibson, Mason McMillan and wife, Kahlai, of Broken Arrow, OK; granddaughters, Rhyan Gray of Fort Gibson, Camryn McMillan of Fort Gibson, Morgan McMillan of Tahlequah, OK; great granddaughter, Ruby Alice McMillan of Broken Arrow, OK; sister-in-law, Ginger Gray of Muskogee, OK; brother-in-law, Pete Clark and wife, Pat, of Wagoner, OK. He also left behind numerous nieces and nephews and other family members, all of whom he cherished. A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be 1PM Monday, February 6, 2023, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Gibson with Gary Pittman officiating and Kenny Glenn, Archie Peyton, Bunner Gray, Randy Brock, Pete Clark, Josh McMillan, Michael Gray, Jeremy Whittiker serving as casket bearers and Phil Tatum, Holdan Gray, Bryan Timmons, Clifford Richardson, Niky Harper, and Mason McMillan serving as honorary casket bearers. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors being observed. The family of Ronald Carnes Gilliam has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Ronald 'Ronnie' C. Gilliam

August 1, 1946 - February 1, 2023