Sammie Lee Gilliam, Jr.

Sammie Lee Gilliam, Jr., 55, son of the late Sammie Lee Gilliam, Sr. and the late Thelma Hazel Gilliam, was born May 17, 1963 in Prosperity, South Carolina.  He departed this earthly life Sunday, January 20, 2019 at his home.

Sammie, affectionately known as “Big Sam”, was educated in the public schools of Lexington County District 3, graduating from Batesburg-Leesville High School, Class of 1982.  At an early age, he joined Philippi Missionary Baptist Church of Prosperity, South Carolina.  He was married to Tara Morris.

Big Sam loved his profession as a brick mason.  He was also known as a master on the grill and for his famous cooking.  He enjoyed entertaining family and friends.  Truly, we will miss those days.

Big Sam was preceded in death by both parents, one sister, Janet Abney and one brother, Ray Anthony Dennis.

Those left to cherish his precious memories include:  his wife of twenty-seven years – Tara Morris of the home; three children whom he loved more than anything – Sammie Lee Gilliam, III, Javonte Gilliam and Tiana Samone Gilliam, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; two grandchildren – Brycen and Brooklyn Gilliam, both of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; six sisters – Fran (Reverend John) Williams of Edgefield, South Carolina, Sandra G. Cannon, Patricia (Rufus) Cannon and Sandra Tucker, all of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Diane Clark of Columbia, South Carolina and Rosalyn Norris of Richmond, Virginia; two brothers – Bobby (Brenda) Abney of Saluda, South Carolina and Jack Rhinehart of Rhode Island; three sisters-in-law – Angela (Cory) Green of Windsor, South Carolina, Martha Cullum of Aiken, South Carolina and Quaticka Morris of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; one uncle – Wilbur (Lillie) Harris of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina; three aunts – Joann Foulks of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Dorothy Goodwin of Columbia, South Carolina and Earlene (Ivy) Revelle of Brooklyn, New York; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends who will truly miss him.  He also leaves his two best friends in the world, Otis and Red, his four-legged friends.

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