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Bobby Gene Gilliam was born on July 31, 1937, in Rossville, Oklahoma, to Burley and Grace Gilliam. He lived on the family farm until he graduated from high school, attending White Rock Elementary School and Wellston High School. While in high school, he helped on the family farm and worked various odd jobs to help support his family.
After high school, Bob entered the Army and served from 1956 to 1958. It was during this time that he met Elvis Presley while at Fort Hood, as Bob was part of Elvis' protection detail.
While working in the oilfield, Bob met Merla, and they married on January 8th, 1973. They moved to their current home in 1975. Bob had four children: Holly, Susan, Brett, and Kristi. His lengthy career in the oil and gas industry began as a roughneck in Woodward, Oklahoma. Over the years, Bob worked for various oilfield companies before starting his own businesses: Gilliam's Gulf, Gilliam Rental Tools, and Gilliam Consulting. His career as an entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry spanned over 56 years.
In 2015, Bob received the Bobby Joe Cudd Legacy Award for his achievements and contributions to the industry.
Bob had many hobbies, including taking vacations with family and friends, traveling to all 48 continental states and Canada by motorhome, and spending time at his cabin in New Mexico. He enjoyed snowmobiling, riding ATVs in the mountains, tinkering in his shop, and spending time at the coffee shop or McDonald's with friends. Bob was known for his playful pranks and his love of connecting with people.
He made many friends during his time in Woodward and New Mexico, and he often called to check on people, brightening his day with the voices of family and friends.
On January 1, 2025, just 12 hours and 25 minutes into the new year, Bob passed peacefully from his home in Woodward to his heavenly home surrounded by family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and Grace Gilliam; his sisters, Lucille Duncan and Nathelda Davis; and his brother, Kenneth Gilliam. Father-in-law, Leo Gartrell, mother-in-law Luella Gartrell, sister-in-law, Louise Gilliam, brother-in-law's Bill Duncan, George Davis and Fred Pinkston, and son-in-law Michael Rear.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Merla Gilliam of the home; his sister, Opal Pinkston of Oklahoma City; his children: Holly Brown of Midwest City, Susan Rear of Moore, Brett Gilliam and his wife Michelle of Edmond, and Kristi Gilliam of Poth, Texas; his grandchildren: Trish Scott and her husband Jeff, Diantha McDonald, Brooke McDonald, Aerial Short and her husband Blane, Jill Kirk and her husband Monty, Gracelyn Kelley and her husband Mitch, Brycen Harmon and his wife Tabitha, Stanton Harmon, Rayden Morrison, Drew Gilliam, Luke Gilliam; and 13 great-grandchildren. His brother-in-law's Larry and Gary Gartrell and sister-in-law's Elaine and Irene Gartrell. Many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at Crown Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Evans officiating. Private family interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crown Heights Baptist Church or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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