Robert "Bob" Benton Gilliam, of Hot Springs, Ark., was called to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family to whom he had devoted his entire life. He was 98 years of age.
Bob was born in Lockesburg, Ark., on July 26, 1923, to Allen B. Gilliam and Sarah Harriet "Hattie" (Grady) Gilliam, where he grew up, attended school and learned the importance of God and a loving church family at the First United Methodist Church, where his mother directed the choir and all things musical.
While attending college in March of 1943, Bob was drafted and inducted into the Army. He was assigned to the 121st Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division and fought in the European Theater of World War II, most notably in the Battle of the Bulge and participated in some of the specialized Ghost Army maneuvers. He was a scout and acquired numerous medals and badges including the Bronze Star.
After returning to the States, Bob attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in Business and found gainful employment with Columbian Fuel in the gas fields of west Kansas, specifically Ulysses, Kan., where he met and married the love of his life, Martha Belle Hampton, on Sept. 9, 1950. After moving to Liberal, Kan., to accept a new position, the newlyweds welcomed three new additions to the family with Robert Benton Gilliam Jr., Allen Ray Gilliam and Ronald Frank Gilliam. Bob's career with the company moved the family around a bit and when Cities Service Oil and Gas acquired Columbian Fuel, the Gilliam family moved to Odessa, Texas, where another chapter started along with the last addition to the group, Forrest Hugh Gilliam. Bob and the family moved two more times to accept jobs of increasing responsibility, winding up in the southwest Kansas town of Elkhart, where Bob, a production foreman, retired after 39 years of service with the company, now Occidental Petroleum.
After retiring in July of 1988, Bob and Martha moved to Hot Springs, where he enjoyed golfing, fishing and volunteer work. As much as Bob liked to fish and golf, it was nothing compared to his love for volunteer work -- if he wasn't at the Jackson House, then he was delivering Meals on Wheels or busy with Veterans Affairs or working with the Kiwanis to help those less fortunate or unable to care for themselves. Bob helped organize and initiate the very successful "The Caring Place" in Hot Springs, where family/caregivers could bring their loved ones with Alzheimer's for a day of special activities and fun, along with occasional excursions around town or to the lake or river. Bob was an active member at The First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs and a very devout Christian.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Hattie; sister, Mary Anne Nash; and brother, Allen Grady Gilliam.
Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Martha; four sons, Bob (and Angela) of Las Cruces, N.M., Allen (and Suzanne) of North Little Rock, Ron of Hot Springs, Ark., and Forrest (and Gay) of Midland, Texas. Bob has two beautiful grandchildren, Tim Gilliam of Las Cruces, N.M., and Haley Gilliam of North Little Rock, Ark., as well as many loving nephews, nieces and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces.
Service to be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to the Jackson House and The Caring Place.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com for the Gilliam family.