Frederick Gilliam

Frederick D Gilliam, 76, of Plain City, Ohio died at home on September 19, 2026 after a brief fight with brain cancer. Fred was born on April 1, 1950 in Columbus, Ohio as the oldest child of Oval “Red” and Marlene (Workman) Gilliam. He graduated from Hilliard High School in 1970. He was drafted into the United States Army in December, 1970 and honorably spent several years stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. When he returned from serving his country overseas, Fred spent several years working side-by-side with his Dad as a brick mason. He then began working for Kinetics Noise Control in Dublin, where he provided 24 years of service before his retirement.

Fred was a man who found joy in the simple things and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his family and friends whenever they needed it. He loved trap shooting and took great pride in teaching young people the sport, passing down both his skills and his passion. He was a member of multiple central Ohio trapshooting clubs and could be found out on the line most Tuesday nights and every weekend in the summer.

After his retirement, Fred kept busy with the things that he loved. He spent time feeding the neighborhood squirrels, birds, and even the occasional skunk. He greatly enjoyed watching classic movies, with his favorite being “The Wizard of Oz.” He had recently started learning how to “use technology” so that he could look up facts about the actors and actresses in the films he watched. His new found ability to use his cell phone, and even send text messages, delighted his grandkids. Fred truly loved to spend time with them - just asking questions, teaching them something new, or playing cards.

Fred was reunited in death with his wife of 45 years, Debbie (Chesser) Gilliam, who passed away in 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson, Myles.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Steven) Henry, and Brian (Jennifer) Gilliam; grandchildren, Zail (Macy) Gammell, Jolee (Scott) Eichelberger, Harley and Leah Smith, Byron Gilliam, Alexander and Helen Henry, and Paige Benas; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Arlowe, Huxley, and Wrexlynn; sister, Sharon Gilliam; niece, Sierra Smith; and many friends and loved ones.

The family will receive friends from 4pm- 7pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9720 OH-161, Plain City, OH 43064. A graveside service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Forest Grove Cemetery, Plain City, OH.