Dr. Larry Gilliam, age 87, went home to be with his Lord & Savior on August 26, 2023. Born on November 21, 1935, Larrys entire life was filled with achievements and life-long meaningful relationships. Anyone who ever knew Larry would describe him as witty, warm, and most of all very caring.
He is survived by his daughters, Valerie Gilliam Barnett and Stephanie Gilliam Albright, and two grandchildren, Zachary Barnett and Hannah Albright Salinas
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lucille Gilliam, his wife, Glenda DeArmon Gilliam, and his sister, Dr. Vicki Gilliam.
Larrys humble life began as a child in Bellmead, Texas where he attended LaVega schools and worked in his fathers store, Gilliam Grocery, which he described as his first opportunity to serve and help others. While working, Larry met his soon-to-be wife, Glenda. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2021.
He graduated from high school in 1953, and received his bachelors, masters and doctorate in education from Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. In addition to these accomplishments, Larry also received doctoral degrees both in counseling and psychology.
Larrys love for music was apparent to all and started in high school with being the first chair trumpet player and participation in the marching band. After high school, he also played guitar, piano, and loved singing in gospel quartets.
During the early years of Larrys career, he was devoted to the music ministry and he had a variety TV show on NBC that featured choirs and special music from groups all over North Central Texas. It gave him great joy to bring notoriety to these young voices.
He traveled and sang in a quartet called the Four Tones and also recorded an album with The Heritage Quartet. He coordinated many nationwide trips and traveled with numerous youth choirs and college chorale groups which provided life-time memories that many still describe as being life-changing.
After his time in Waco as Dean of Student Services at McClennan College, he moved his family to Shreveport, Louisiana where he served as VP of Baptist Christian College and the Director of the BCC Chorale. His passion for teaching his students grew and he took pride in helping them grow to their full potential. Many of his students have carried on his mission in Christian music, counseling and careers in the ministry.
After Shreveport, Louisiana, Larry moved his family to Irving, Texas to continue his work in the ministry. His love for working with students led him to Irving Christian Academy where he was the Principal and Music Director with Crestview Baptist Church. During his time in Irving, he also was Founder & Executive Director of Hannahs House, Dayspring Counseling and The Life Coaching Institute as well as partnering with Dr. Frank Minirth where he provided services with Minirth Meir Counseling in Richardson, Texas. His passion for counseling expanded into training others to provide life coaching services. He was actively working and leading bible studies at his home church, Meadowbrook Baptist Church, well into his eighties.
More than his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered for his unique sense of humor. He was always prepared to encourage others with a corny joke or pun or create a laugh. His daily goal was to listen and lighten someone elses struggles.
The legacy Dr. Larry Gilliam leaves behind is one of kindness, and to achieve kindness he dedicated his life to helping others through counseling, seminars, and education classes filled with scripture and hope. His wisdom and compassion will continue to inspire all those who know him. As we remember Dr. Gilliam, let us honor his life by also extending kindness and care to others, just as he would have wished.
SERVICES
Memorial Service
Saturday, December 30, 2023
11:00 AM
Northside Baptist Church
2000 N. Denton Dr.
Carrollton, TX 75006