When Jack L. Gilliam, Air Force veteran and retired Unisys employee, passed away on July 18, 2018, he left behind a legacy defined by decades of service—both to his country and his community. At 87 years old, the Alpharetta resident’s life story reads like a map of mid-century American mobility, tracing a path from rural Virginia to the industrial heartland of Ohio, and finally settling in the growing suburbs of Georgia.
Here’s the thing about obituaries: they’re often just names and dates. But when you connect the dots between Jack’s record and that of his wife, Phyllis M. Gilliam, a much richer picture emerges. It’s not just a notice of death; it’s a timeline of a marriage that lasted nearly six decades.
A Life Built on Service
The details paint a clear picture of a man who valued duty. Before he ever clocked into an office, Jack served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean ConflictKorea. While the specific unit or rank isn’t listed in the public records, that period of service shaped a generation of men who carried discipline and resilience into their civilian careers.
After hanging up his uniform, Jack didn’t slow down. He joined Unisys, a major information technology corporation, where he spent over 30 years. In an era before the internet boom made tech seem flashy, this was steady, critical work. He retired with a career that spanned more than three decades—a testament to loyalty in an industry known for rapid turnover.
Roots in Virginia, Home in Georgia
Jack’s journey began far from the Atlanta metro area. He was the son of Lee and Callie Leonard Gilliam, hailing from Scott County, Virginia. That Appalachian root likely grounded him, even as life pulled him eastward.
The twist? His most significant chapter started in Ohio. According to Phyllis’s own obituary, the couple married on February 23, 1956. They were both from Virginia at the time, but they didn’t stay there. Instead, they moved to Wadsworth, Ohio. It was there that Phyllis raised their two children, James Alan Gilliam and Barbara Gilliam Kimbrel.
Eventually, the family migrated south again, finding their final home in Alpharetta, Georgia. This move mirrors a broader demographic shift where millions of Americans relocated to the Sun Belt in the late 20th century, seeking warmer weather and new economic opportunities.
Distinguishing the Record
In the age of digital archives, it’s easy to mix up people with similar names. Jack L. Gilliam is sometimes confused with other individuals in online databases. For instance, Legacy.com lists 21 different people named "Jack Gilliam." There’s also a Jack H. Gilliam, who died in 2015 after working 50 years at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and Jackie Dean Gilliam, who passed away in Des Moines in 2026.
But Jack Lee Gilliam—the one from Alpharetta—is distinct. His story is tied specifically to the Korean Conflict, Unisys, and the long partnership with Phyllis. The funeral services were handled through Dignity Memorial, a platform that has become the standard for preserving these personal histories online.
Legacy and Family
Jack is survived by his wife Phyllis, his two children, and three grandchildren. While the grandchildren’s names aren’t always listed in brief summaries, their existence marks the continuation of the lineage Jack helped build. From Scott County to Wadsworth to Alpharetta, the Gilliam family tree grew deep roots in each place they called home.
His passing in 2018 marked the end of a life well-lived. In a world that often moves too fast, Jack’s 30-year career and 60-year marriage stand out as anchors of stability. He wasn’t famous in the traditional sense, but to those who knew him, he was simply Jack—a veteran, a husband, a father, and a neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Jack L. Gilliam live at the time of his death?
Jack L. Gilliam resided in Alpharetta, Georgia, at the time of his passing on July 18, 2018. Although he was born in Virginia and lived in Ohio for many years, he had established his final home in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.
What was Jack L. Gilliam's military service?
He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict (commonly referred to as the Korean War). While specific details about his rank or unit are not publicly detailed in the summary, his service is noted as a key part of his early life before his civilian career.
Who was Jack L. Gilliam's wife, and how long were they married?
Jack was married to Phyllis M. Gilliam. They wed on February 23, 1956. Given Jack's death in 2018, their marriage lasted approximately 62 years, spanning moves from Virginia to Ohio and finally to Georgia.
Did Jack L. Gilliam have children?
Yes, Jack and Phyllis had two children: James Alan Gilliam and Barbara Gilliam Kimbrel. They were raised in Wadsworth, Ohio, before the family eventually relocated to Georgia. Jack also had three grandchildren.
What company did Jack L. Gilliam work for?
He worked for Unisys, a large information technology company. He retired after more than 30 years of service, indicating a long and stable career in the corporate sector following his military duties.
