Ernest Gilliam

Ernest Nathaniel Gilliam

1933 - 2020

Ernest Nathaniel Gilliam, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at his home in San Pedro, California.
Born on February 20, 1933, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Nathaniel was one of 10 children born to the late Barm Bobo and Rosa Bell Gilliam. After graduation from High School, Nathaniel served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After retiring from the Navy, Nathaniel married Evelyn Besse Hughes and celebrated 40 years of marriage until her death in August ‘2000. In 2015, Nathaniel married Mei Zhen Yan in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, California.
Nathaniel worked for 36 years at Douglas Aircraft-McDonnell Aircraft as a machinist until he retired in 1992. In his spare time, Nathaniel served as a Trustee of the VFW Post 162 in Lomita, California and was an avid golfer. Nathaniel loved the Lord and was a member of Ocean View Baptist Church in San Pedro, California.
He is survived by his wife, Mei Zhen Yan; his siblings, Charles Gilliam, Spartanburg, South Carolina, John Gilliam (Peggy), Redondo Beach, California, Clara Dillard, Spartanburg, South Carolina, Jerry Gilliam (Joan), Spartanburg, South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Boyd Gilliam Max Gilliam, Lucille Bridges, Frances Gilliam, and Edith Burdette all from South Carolina.
A Celebration of Nathaniel’s life will be held at 9:00 am, on Friday, September 25th at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, California with Pastor Jacques Wolyneux officiating. Due to the COVID pandemic, the service is restricted to family only. Wearing a mask and social distancing will be enforced.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in memory of Nathaniel can be made to the Ocean View Baptist Church in San Pedro, California or the charity of your choice.