Mr. Lee W. Gilliam was born in Mason, TN, December 13, 1941, and transitioned to be with the Lord on April 30, 2024. Lee was one of the adored sons of Earl and Joe Ella Mason Gilliam. He attended Fraiser High School in Covington, TN. Lee moved to East Saint Louis, IL in the early 1960's where he worked for Bemis Bag Company as a machine operator for 21 years and was self-employed for 23 years and then retired from the workforce in 2004. Lee met the love of his life, Mary Redmond, in 1970, and they've been together ever since.

Lee enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Lee developed a special love for his friends at the senior citizen's building which he attended every day until his illness.

Mr. Lee W. Gilliam leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Mary Gilliam, and his children, Lee W. (Diane) Gilliam Jr. of Alton, IL., Timothy Redmond of East St. Louis, IL, Eugene (Jennifer) Gilliam of Alton, IL, Emmanuel (Keisha) Gilliam of Indianapolis, IN, LeShunda Redmond of Belleville, IL, Estella Gilliam of Fairview Heights, IL, and Janice Redmond, who preceded him in death; his siblings, James A. (Bobbie) Gilliam of East St. Louis, IL, Earl (Mary) Gilliam of East St. Louis, IL, William Earl (Frankie) Gilliam of Cahokia, IL, Lula Pearl Dowell of Mason, TN, Stella Houston of Mason, TN, and siblings preceded him in death, Earler Mae Pearson, John (Catherine) Gilliam, Roosevelt (Ruthie Mae) Gilliam, Elmo (Annice) Gilliam, and Vernita Gilliam-Degraffreed, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.