Lawrence Ray Gilliam was born February 27, 1935, in Wellston, Oklahoma. He departed this life on May 8, 2011 at the age of 76, after a long and valiant fight with Parkinson's disease.

Lawrence grew up in Wellston and attended Happy Hill, then Wellston schools graduating in 1952. He also attended Oklahoma State University.

He joined the Army in 1955 and had an honorable release in 1957 with a rank of Specialist Third class. It was when he was in the Army and stationed in Colorado Springs, that he met Margie.

He married the love of his life, Marjorie Guyer on July 29, 1956 and they began their lives together in Oklahoma City later moving to the McLoud area to raise their children. Lawrence and Marjorie moved to the farm in Wellston in the spring of 1987 and they have resided there since.

He worked for FAA as a computer operator and later worked for Tinker AFB as an aircraft mechanic retiring in July of 1999. Lawrence loved his God and Hillside Baptist Church and helping others, especially people who had car problems. Many nights he called home that he had found someone whose car had broken down and he was bringing home a whole family to spend the night. After retirement, Lawrence and Margie spent time with their grandchildren, working on the farm and volunteering at their church. He also spent numerous hours restoring his pride and joy "George" a 1966 Ford Pickup Truck that they used on their trips down Route 66 and to car shows in the area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Otis Gilliam and Glaydes Betty Wiley Gilliam and one sister, Geraldine Evelyn Ross.

Lawrence was survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Marjorie Gilliam of the home; sons Larry Gilliam and wife Jane of Edmond; Brian Gilliam of Wellston; daughter Annette Percy and husband Larry of Troy, Alabama; grandchildren Mandie Frazier and husband Steven; Bill Gilliam; Brice Percy; Tyler Percy; David Gilliam; Shane Gilliam and Eliza Gilliam; two great granddaughters; Madison Gilliam and Devyn Shipman; and one brother Melvin Gilliam and wife Vicky of Carney, Oklahoma.

Funeral services were held May 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Baptist Church, McLoud, Oklahoma, with the Rev. Tuney Ropp officiating.

Burial followed at Wellston Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.