Gilliam, Russell N.

Russell was born on January 15, 1961. He was the youngest of nine children. His brother, Roscoe, and his sister, Beverly, preceded him in death.

Russell, who was known as Poncho, grew up in LeClaire Courts on the southwest side of Chicago, where he attended Hearst Elementary School, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. Russell was a quiet, yet strong, man with a gentle spirit. He deeply loved his family, especially his mother, who knew she could always depend on him. Russell was a huge Chicago sports fan, and he cheered on the Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks. Russell had a great work ethic, being very dependable and committed to his work. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Anthony Hamilton, and he loved his cars.

On December 23, 2011, he was united in holy matrimony to Emma Beard.

Russell made his transition on Saturday, July 22, 2017. He leaves in mourning his wife, Emma BeardGilliam; mother of his children, Michelle Lomax; three children, Ryen Harris, Kianna Harris, and Zay Harris; four grandchildren, Rye’onnah, Rye’ayzah, Keon, and Kyon; three brothers, John Gilliam, Michael Gilliam ( Charlene), and Markus Gilliam ( Geneva); three sisters, Barbara Wheeler, Patricia Pernell ( Henry), and Pamela Rogers ( Lance); and a host of brothers- in- law, sisters- in- law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 28, 2017, 4: 009: 00 p. m. at Gatling’s Funeral Home. Funeral will be Saturday, July 29, 2017, 1: 00- 2: 30. Burial Burr Oak Cemetery.