Big Stone Gap, VA – Carl Gene Gilliam, 93, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Lee Health & Rehab Center in Pennington Gap, VA. He was born on April 11, 1933 in Jumping Branch WV, but lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He worked for several years at Pet Dairy in Harlan, KY and Big Stone Gap. While in Harlan, Carl met and married the love of his life, Janet Giles Gilliam. Carl was a true entrepreneur and he was an owner of G&G Carwash, Gilliam Enterprises and Gilliam Funeral Home. He was a member of First Christian Church in Big Stone Gap.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Gilliam; parents, Robert Woodson and Sallie (Bourne) Gilliam; brothers, Harold Gilliam, Robert “Bud” Gilliam, Fred Gilliam and Garnett Gilliam; and son, Rick Gilliam.
Carl is survived by a daughter, Brenda Adams (David); grandchildren, Matthew Grubb, Travis Grubb (Melissa); Erica Hillman (Blake) and Logan Gilliam; great-grandchildren, Tristan Grubb (Tori), Gage Grubb, Marley Grubb, Eden Hillman, Kyla Gilliam and Brooklyn Gilliam; great-great grandchildren, Averi Grubb and Adley Grubb; daughter-in-law, Sherry Gilliam; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave West, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow with Greg Townsend and Cotton Gardner ministering.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 am in Glencoe Cemetery, Big Stone Gap. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave in procession at 10:30.
For their loving care and support, the family wishes to thank our special friend, Carie Simpson and Lee Health and Rehabilitation, Stallard Hall staff and nurses.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Bears Backpack Program, c/o Union Primary School, 2945 2nd Ave. E., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory, Big Stone Gap, VA is in charge of arrangements.