Billy Joe Gilliam

Billy Joe Gilliam, 76, of Kingsport, TN, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories they will forever hold close.

Billy was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School. Not long after high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Cassidy, beginning a life together that would span 27 years and bring them the family that meant so much to him.

Billy proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam era. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany, where he drove an armored personnel carrier. After returning home, Billy settled back into the community he had always known and began building a life centered around hard work and family.

For more than 30 years, Billy worked as a metal worker for Johnson-Hilliard before retiring at the age of 65. He was good with his hands and was rarely afraid to take something apart to see if he could get it working again. Lawn mowers, weed eaters, and anything else that needed a little tinkering were right up his alley. He also loved going to flea markets and yard sales, never knowing what treasure, bargain, or next project he might come across.

But more than anything Billy did for a living, or any hobby he enjoyed, his family will remember him for simply being Dad and Papaw.

Billy was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family deeply, and they loved him just as fiercely in return. To his children, he was the father they could count on. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Papaw a familiar face, a steady presence, and someone whose place in their lives can never truly be filled. The ordinary moments they shared with him over the years have now become some of their most treasured memories.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years and high school sweetheart, Audrey Cassidy Gilliam; his parents, Bill and Dora Ramey Gilliam; sisters, Helen, Joann, Mandy, and Barbara; and brothers, Charles and Ralph.

Those left to cherish Billy's memory include his children, Kristy Leonard and husband Charles, Tony Gilliam and wife Samantha, and Heather Gilliam; grandchildren, Charles and Chris Leonard, and Caleb and Macie Gilliam; great-grandchildren, Josiah and Olivia Leonard; brother, Jackie Gilliam and wife Jilda; sister, Mary Simpson; life partner, Vicki Siegler; Vicki's children, Victoria Castle, Alicia Cassidy, and Dylan Killen; along with extended family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Billy's family will miss him more than words can adequately express. They are grateful for the years they were given with him, for the lessons and laughter, and most of all, for the privilege of calling him Dad, Papaw, and family. His life was well loved, and that love will continue through the generations that follow him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Gilliam family. Online condolences may be shared with the family through the Trinity Memorial Centers website.