Mr. Herbert Gilliam Sr. (Coochie) was born in Norfolk, VA on March 26, 1947 to the late Charlie and Queenie Gilliam. He was married to the late Mrs. Sylvia L. Gilliam. They will celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary together in Heaven on August 1st.
The youngest of eight children, Herb was the apple of his Mother’s eye. He often spoke of special times spent with his Mother reading and studying the bible. He regularly quoted scriptures that he learned as a child. In addition, he frequently spoke of his siblings and how much they influenced his life growing up. He was especially close to his oldest brother Leroy and often looked to him for advice and guidance.
After high school, Herb went on to join the Marine Corp where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was trained as a helicopter mechanic and later earned the title of crew chief.
Herb met and married the love of his life, Sylvia, on August 1, 1969. From this union they were blessed with three children, KaTina, Herbert Jr., and Shea.
After his Military Service, Herb decided to pursue his education. He earned his Associate’s degree in Art from Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake Campus. His passion for learning didn’t stop there; he went on to earn his degree in Photography from the New York Institute of Photography. Along with his U.S. Postal Service career, Herb was an accomplished and well-known Photographer. In the early part of his photography career, he taught and mentored youth at the Park Place Boy’s Club. In fact, he taught and inspired many various local photographers. Herb’s business cards read “Have Camera Will Travel!” This logo described him well because any time you saw Herb, he had his camera.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Herb was the President of the Tidewater Association of Photographers. He organized many Photoshop Trainings, took photos for countless families, weddings and other events, as well as photo shoots for well-known musicians and models.
Herb was an active member and volunteer for his local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter. He helped many veterans receive the benefits they deserved, helped raise funds, and took part in many events to uplift fellow veterans.
Herb and Sylvia were devoted, faithful members of Rock Church for over 30 years, serving as Ushers and in the Children’s Ministry, among other duties. They taught their children about God and the importance of living a righteous and upstanding life.
Herb was a true family man. In addition to his wife and children, he loved and adored his sister in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Herb had a way of making everybody feel special.
Herbert is survived by his loving children, daughters KaTina Gilliam, Dr. Shea Gilliam-Davis (Jason), sons Herbert Gilliam Jr. (Carmen), and Rodney Felton; nine grandchildren, Khalil, Kiara, Verniqua, Day’ja, Aniyah, Khamal, Khari, Jayla, and Morgan; two great-grandchildren, Michaela and Jamari; four devoted sister in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
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Tamyka Singleton-Davis says
July 29, 2020 at 1:49 pmSending my love and prayers to the Gilliam family. The Gilliams have been a part of my life since my teen years. I’m blessed and so thankful that Mr. Gilliam was not only a part of my but my kids as well. I will miss him dearly but I take comfort in knowing he is with our Heavenly Father and his beautiful wife.
Joseph, Rosa & Stefny Henderson says
July 29, 2020 at 2:10 pmOur family will always remember Mr. Gilliam as a caring man and a proud father. Many years ago, our daughters went to THS and we were always coming and going with them to their band practices. He will certainly be missed. Our prayers and condolences are with the family.
Love,
The Hendersons
Dr. Shirley McCullough says
July 29, 2020 at 4:46 pmMs. Ka’Tina,
I am thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Remember, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” With prayers and love.
Dr. Kevin McClendon says
July 29, 2020 at 7:44 pmCousin KaTina,
I am praying for you and your siblings. May the peace of God saturate you and wrap his loving arms around all of us. I will sincerely miss my Uncle Herbert.
His Postal Family says
July 30, 2020 at 12:25 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with the Family at this time. May God continue to bless you and keep you wrapped in His Loving Arms as you treasure the memories of Bro Herb. He was a joy to work with and will be truly missed.
Mark DuBois & Theresa DuBois says
July 30, 2020 at 1:40 pmSending my love and prayers to the family. Coochie will truly be missed.
Ansell V. & Liz Hollowell says
July 31, 2020 at 6:05 amWe will miss Herb. He always had a smile and presence that would make people feel at home. We pray for his family and wish them peace. We will always remember him with pleasant thoughts.
Nathan Gilliam says
July 31, 2020 at 9:03 amTo my cousins and family: my condolences on the lost of your Father, grandfather, Uncle and Mentor Herbert( Coochie) Gilliam. He was a wonderful Uncle and a great man of God and I will miss him. May God continue to strengthen us all in this time of lost. I love you all❤
Tyshelly Eley says
July 31, 2020 at 9:28 amWishing my sincere condolence to the Gilliam family, I love you all, my deepest sympanty for the lost of your Dad, he will surely be missed, but can now join his lost love one in Heaven ????????????
Richard Garner & Ohio family says
July 31, 2020 at 11:21 amOur condolences to our Gilliam family. Such hurt and pain going through these hard times. We give much prayers knowing that Uncle Herbert is better off now with our love ones in Heaven. Love you!❤️
“Let your heart not be weary for the Lord has him now.”
Carey & Ebonita Foster says
August 2, 2020 at 11:37 amThere simply are no words to express how sorry we are to hear of this loss. The love that we have for the Gilliam family is unwavering. We send our deepest condolences to all of you. Sending our love across the miles forever your Foster Family.
Kimberly Bland says
August 2, 2020 at 8:50 pmMy condolences to the family.Herbert was a good neighbor who would do anything that you asked of him.I along with others will miss his kind spirit and will never forget his great smile. Former 29th Street neighbors/ The Bland Family