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Submitted: 11/30/22 • Approved: 11/30/22 • Last Updated: 12/3/22 • R1459903-G1459902-S3
Henry Byars
Apr 17, 1926 - Oct 29, 2021
Hazel
June 2, 1925 - Jan 5, 1982
*Obituary
Henry Byars Gilliam, Jr. entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 9, 2021 at 95 years of age. Henry was born April 17, 1926, in Searcy to H. B. and Fannie Rogers Gilliam. He was a resident of London, Arkansas and a deacon of London First Baptist Church.
Henry trusted the Lord and was saved during a revival when he was in the ninth grade. He was a man of great faith who enjoyed reading his Bible and prayed for others each day. Henry loved talking to people and was always ready to tell others about Jesus. His prayers in later years always included people in hospitals and nursing homes as well as the workers taking care of the residents. He was quick to thank the Lord for His grace and love.
Henry was a highly decorated veteran of WWII, having served with the 1st Squadron 12th Cavalry in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received a Combat Infantryman's Badge and a Bronze Star among other awards. After the war ended, Henry received training and worked as an expert tool and die maker until his retirement.
Henry was an avid fisherman and knew the best fishing areas. He usually caught his limit of crappie within the first few hours of fishing. With an excellent memory for detail, he shared many stories of his life: as a boy working on the farm and playing baseball, his service in WWII, delivering Yarnell's ice cream, working in tool and die shops, and of course, fishing. He was also inventive and enjoyed making objects. He created a knife out of a leaf spring from a 78 Chevy pickup and made his own brush cutter by improving a string trimmer with baling wire.
At church, Henry was known as the "Candy Man." He passed out bubblegum and candy to everyone, young or old. Henry loved people and actively looked for ways to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 33 years, Hazel Langley Gilliam; one brother, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.
Henry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dolores A. Gilliam; one stepdaughter Karen Roe and husband Kirby of Jonesboro; special nieces Jeannie Smith of Searcy and Ginger Collie of Beebe and great-niece Susan Cosola (Frank) of Leona Valley, California; Danny and Teresa Green of London; other family members and a host of friends.
Photo courtesy of Annette Shaw
Contributed on 11/30/22 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1459903