Charles Michael Gilliam, born March 2, 1956 in Jonesville, VA, passed away in his sleep at home in Lebanon, OH on May 15, 2021. Mike grew up in Clermont County, OH and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1974.

Mike "Chuckles" Gilliam proudly served his country from 1974 - 1980 in the United States Navy. He was a Radioman and served on nuclear submarines. He earned his Dolphins while serving aboard the USS Ethan Allen SSBN 608 (Gold). Mike was a valuable member of the Ethan Allen crew supervising the top-secret radio room and communications traffic. He also was an outstanding player on the undefeated soccer team while in the Navy. They won the league championship in Hawaii. Members of the crew considered Mike to be a true friend and loyal shipmate, and as such, they would collectively say,

"rest your oars sailor, we have the watch."

He met his wife of 35 years, Mary, in 1984 at the WEBN fireworks. The pair basked in the happiness of their two daughters and two grandchildren. Mike leaves them with a legacy of hard work and unconditional love. After becoming a new daddy in 1987, Mike returned to school and earned his Associate degree from Southern Ohio College. He took pride in his work from his fourteen-year career repairing AV equipment and installing intercoms and scoreboards at schools throughout Southern Ohio to his fifteen years in radiation protection. He loved using his knowledge in his work and in everyday life.

Mike was a Senior Health Physics/Radiation Protection Technician making a positive impact on the world while working at nuclear power plants across the United States. He took pride in his work focusing on his responsibility to protect the health and safety of the general public, as well as those who worked with him. His happy disposition, great stories, and encouragement touched the hearts and souls of those around him. His steadfast contribution to the nuclear industry will be greatly missed.

Mike took pride devoting time to his family. He took an active role by coaching his daughters' soccer teams and refereeing games. He wanted to give all kids the opportunity to play and enjoy the game. Years later, he is still lovingly remembered as "Coach" to those he had mentored. Mike also loved his childhood family farm in Jonesville and instilled that enjoyment in his daughters through annual camping trips and family reunions. Mike was a proud Husband, Daddy, Grandaddy, and Uncle as well as a cherished Son, Brother, Nephew, and Cousin.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Fiorita Gilliam, his daughters Emily Maria Gilliam of Lebanon and Virginia "Nia" (Ian) Smercina of Las Vegas and his grandchildren Emmett Michael Lynn Smercina and Annalise Mae Gilliam. Mike is also survived by his parents Clyde and Betty (Morris) Gilliam, sisters Janet (Rick) Weismantel, and Susan (Gary) Andry.  Nieces Kari Burnett Cutler, Robin (Kareem) Coombs, and Sarah (Caleb) Poe. Nephews Brent (Heather) Burnett, Harrison (Molly) Andry, and John Andry. Great-nieces Lilah Poe, Avery Poe, and Rori Andry. Great-nephews Uriah Poe, Paxton Coombs, Camden Coombs, Cayden Coombs, Reese Orick, and Matthew Jones, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Any contributions in his memory can be made to the USO, of which he was a proud supporter.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home and will conclude with a group prayer. After the service, family and friends are invited to gather and reminisce at Broadway Barrel House in Lebanon, OH. The burial ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the family gravesite, McConnell Cemetery, in Jonesville, VA, where he will be laid to rest.

Post Visitation cocktails/food

Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at:

Broadway Barrell House

402 North Broadway

Lebanon, Ohio 45036

Burial/Funeral

Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:00 pm

McConnell Cemetery

Sandy Ridge Road

Jonesville, Virginia 24263