Dennis R. Gilliam, 72, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Services will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Rev. Brian Coats officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Dennis was born in Waco, Texas, on July 5, 1950, to Raymond and Louise Gilliam. He attended Waco High School, where he was the varsity quarterback and valedictorian of the class of 1968. He attended Baylor University and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business administration. Dennis began his banking career at Citizens National Bank one day after his high school graduation. He rose from working in the print shop to becoming a Vice President and head of commercial lending. He later served as President of American Bank and Founding President of Security Bank of Crawford, where he had the honor of meeting President George W. Bush and wife, Laura. Exactly one day after his retirement, his lifelong friend Vance Dunnam called and asked Dennis if he would like to help him start a new business venture. It was supposed to last a few months and ended up being 15 years. Dennis was also a member of several community organizations throughout the years.
Dennis met the love of his life Marsha Dekle at the age of 12 while attending North Junior High school. They married on August 7, 1970, and had two beautiful children. They loved vacationing together as a family in Colorado and spending summers on the lake. Dennis loved watching Baylor football and basketball, often coaching from the couch with his mom. He also enjoyed golf and spending time with his friends and co-workers. He was a devoted husband and father, and a loyal friend and mentor to many. He was patient, kind, honest, generous, and a man of great integrity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Louise Gilliam; sister, Marsha Krause; and nephew, Austin Krause.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Marsha Gilliam; son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Joanne Gilliam; daughter, Marisa Gilliam; niece, Kara Krause; brother-in-law, Floyd Dekle and wife, Becky; brother-in-law, Curtis Krause; aunt, Dixie Wilson; and numerous cousins.
Special thanks to Dr. Carl Chakmakjian and staff, Dr. Don Stewart, Kathy and Jennie from Community Healthcare Hospice, and Ruth from Providence Wound Care for their loving care. Memorials may be made in his name to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Rd, Waco 76708.
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