Denis Riley Gilliam, 73, of Harts, WV, passed away after a long illness on October 3, 2022.  He was surrounded by his loving family and friends at his daughter’s home in South Point, OH.  

He was born November 10, 1948, in Hamlin, WV.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Frank Ferrell, Jr.  

He is survived by his wife, Willa Thompson Gilliam; daughter, Jacy Gilliam; granddaughter, Jadiana Gilliam; brother, Danny Joe (Barb) Ferrell; and sister, Sherry (Rick) George.  

Denis was an amazing father and grandfather.  He loved being with his daughter and granddaughter and spent the majority of his time with them.  He had a passion for the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, traveling, sightseeing, attending WVU football games, gardening, and using his carpentry skills.  He was a U.S. Army veteran.  He was a retired coal miner and construction worker.  

He really enjoyed spending time and talking with his immediate family and so many special friends and family including:  Alvin (Brenda) Dingess, Terry (Nina) Lucas, Rick (Ada) Brumfield, great-uncle, Doran (Lorraine) Lambert, uncle, Jake (Donna) Lambert, aunt, Irene (Ashland) Butcher, nephew, Jody Ferrell, mother-in-law, Hattie Nadratowski, step mother-in-law, Andy Cunningham, sister-in-law, Judy (Pete) Berry, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many more.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. 

A service will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Evans Funeral Home in Chapmanville, WV, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Carter officiating.  

Burial will follow in the Toney-Ferrell Cemetery at Big Ugly, WV.

Visitation for friends will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at Evans Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.